basic idea of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic idea of a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a fundamental concept or principle related to a specific topic. Example: "The basic idea of a sustainable lifestyle is to reduce waste and conserve resources for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Similarly the basic idea of a football club stands as a force for collectivism and shared purpose.

The Guardian - Sport

The basic idea of a poor physician's daughter curing a sick king and claiming a husband as reward may stem from Boccaccio.

The Guardian

It actively undercuts the most basic idea of a remade Republican priority list which doesn't involve running to whatever Wall Street and industry lobbyists want over the impact of policies on the populace.

The New York Times

Blankenhorn firmly believes that "re-defining marriage to include gay and lesbian couples would eliminate entirely in law, and weaken still further in culture, the basic idea of a mother and father for every child".

The New Yorker

"I was on the train when I suddenly had this basic idea of a boy who didn't know who he was," Ms. Rowling once said, explaining the genesis of her creation as lightning hit her and then Harry.

The New York Times

The basic idea of a cap-and-trade system is to control carbon emissions by creating a regulated marketplace in which polluters can buy and sell emissions while adhering to aggregate caps.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

But unlike the Premier League, they don't like the basic idea of an equitable distribution of TV rights nor that of foreign takeovers.

The Guardian - Sport

Lloyd said that when he and writer Moore created the character of V they had a basic idea of an urban guerrilla fighting a fascist dictatorship but wanted to inject more theatricality into the story.

BBC

The basic idea of an advance in regulating migration is concerned, besides the filling of gaps on European labor markets, with the desire to control the movements and flows of migrants.

European Journal of Futures Research

Sure, the basic idea of an 8-megapixel camera is great – but if the photos are the blurry blue messes we've come to expect from camera phones, what's the point?

TechCrunch

At the time, the basic idea of an independent Catalan seemed as much of a pipe dream as Spain being crowned "FIFA World Champions".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex subject, start with the "basic idea of a" concept to build a foundation for understanding before delving into details.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical language when explaining the "basic idea of a" concept. The goal is clarity, so use simple and accessible terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic idea of a" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a fundamental concept, principle, or understanding. It commonly precedes a noun or noun phrase that specifies the subject being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

54%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic idea of a" is a versatile and frequently used expression for introducing fundamental concepts across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives such as "core concept of a" or "fundamental principle of a" may suit specific stylistic preferences, "basic idea of a" remains a clear and effective way to present essential concepts. Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overly technical language when using this phrase to ensure your audience grasps the core understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core concept of a

Replaces "basic idea" with "core concept", emphasizing the essential and central nature of the idea.

fundamental principle of a

Substitutes "basic idea" with "fundamental principle", highlighting the foundational aspect of the concept.

primary notion of a

Replaces "basic idea" with "primary notion", focusing on the initial or most important understanding.

key concept of a

Substitutes "basic idea" with "key concept", stressing the importance and significance of the idea.

underlying principle of a

Replaces "basic idea" with "underlying principle", emphasizing the foundational truth or law.

gist of a

Uses "gist" to refer to the main point or essence, offering a more concise alternative.

essence of a

Replaces "basic idea" with "essence", focusing on the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality.

heart of a

Replaces "basic idea" with "heart", emphasizing the central and vital part of something.

elementary concept of a

Uses "elementary concept" instead of "basic idea", stressing the simplicity and fundamental nature.

starting point of a

Emphasizes that the idea serves as an initial foundation or beginning for further development.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "basic idea of a"?

You can use alternatives like "core concept of a", "fundamental principle of a", or "primary notion of a" depending on the specific context.

How can I effectively introduce the "basic idea of a" concept?

Start by defining the concept in simple terms, provide a real-world example to illustrate its application, and then briefly explain its significance or importance.

Is it correct to use "basic idea of a" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "basic idea of a" is suitable for formal writing. However, you might consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "underlying principle of a" or "key concept of a" for added precision.

What's the difference between "basic idea of a" and "general idea of a"?

While both phrases refer to an understanding of something, "basic idea of a" implies a more fundamental and essential understanding, whereas "general idea of a" suggests a broader and potentially less detailed comprehension.