basic idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"basic idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the main idea that you are discussing or trying to convey. For example, "My basic idea is that everyone should be treated with respect regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Got the basic idea?

The New York Times

Here's the basic idea.

The New York Times

That's a very basic idea.

The Guardian

That was the basic idea behind Makani".

The New Yorker

But the seesaw captures the basic idea.

The New York Times

But the basic idea is nothing new.

The Economist

That's still the basic idea here.

The New Yorker

The basic idea is straightforward.

MIT Technology Review

The basic idea is simple.

MIT Technology Review

The basic idea is sound.

The Guardian

OK, that's the basic idea.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic idea" to introduce a simplified explanation before diving into more complex details. This helps the audience grasp the core concept first.

Common error

Avoid simply stating the "basic idea" without providing any context or supporting information. Ensure that you elaborate on the idea to make it clear and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a fundamental concept or principle. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in introducing explanations or summarizing essential points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic idea" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, serving to introduce or summarize fundamental concepts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both informal and formal settings. To enhance your writing, remember to elaborate on the "basic idea" for clarity and consider alternatives like "core concept" or "underlying principle" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core concept

Emphasizes the central, fundamental element of an idea.

underlying principle

Highlights the foundational rule or law upon which something is based.

key concept

Focuses on the most important concept.

fundamental notion

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the idea.

central theme

Points to the main subject or topic being discussed.

gist of the matter

Captures the essence or main point of something.

essence of the idea

Highlights the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of the idea.

premise

Refers to a statement or idea that is assumed to be true and serves as a basis for reasoning.

general concept

Indicates a broad or inclusive idea.

primary thought

Emphasizes the initial or most important thought.

FAQs

How can I use "basic idea" in a sentence?

You can use "basic idea" to introduce a fundamental concept or principle. For instance, "The basic idea behind the project is to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to using "basic idea"?

Alternatives include "core concept", "underlying principle", or "key concept", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the basic idea is basic"?

Yes, saying "the basic idea is basic" is generally redundant. It's better to focus on explaining the actual idea itself.

What is the difference between "basic idea" and "main idea"?

"Basic idea" refers to the fundamental concept, while "main idea" refers to the central point or argument. While related, the "main idea" often includes more detail and context.