basic notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental idea or concept that serves as a starting point for further discussion or understanding. Example: "The basic notion of democracy is that power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the basic notion of the reconstruction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"They were stacked against a basic notion of fairness".

The New York Times

And this is the basic notion of filtering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And, as a reminder, let me review the basic notion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Is the basic notion of Nicolas Anelka being "unhappy" robust in itself?

The Guardian - Sport

Dormandy's basic notion is that the play offers a running critique of a brutally patriarchal culture.

The Guardian

Urban planning and development management in developing countries were restructured following the basic notion of decentralization.

International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment

"Foscari's basic notion is historically valid," Mr. Ammerman said by phone from his office at Colgate University.

The New York Times - Arts

Its basic notion that calories count reinforces an idea that has been around for far longer than the obesity epidemic.

The New York Times

A wise variation on that basic notion is that the bigger the bank, the higher the capital requirement should be.

The New York Times

These rulings simply corrupt the most basic notion of justice – that it must be seen to be done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic notion" when introducing a fundamental concept that needs to be understood before moving on to more complex ideas. It's effective in academic writing or when explaining complex topics to a general audience.

Common error

While "basic notion" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "idea" or "concept" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic notion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a fundamental concept or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It serves to introduce or highlight a core understanding necessary for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic notion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a fundamental concept or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and appropriate for various contexts. While "basic notion" is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific writing, it's essential to maintain a balance and consider other alternatives such as "fundamental concept" or "key idea" to avoid repetition. Remember that while it is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. The phrase serves as a crucial building block for clear and effective communication, especially when introducing complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental concept

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the idea.

core principle

Highlights the guiding rule or belief at the heart of the matter.

key idea

Focuses on the most important thought or understanding.

underlying concept

Stresses the idea that forms the basis for something more complex.

primary idea

Indicates the main or most important thought.

essential concept

Highlights the indispensable nature of the idea.

central theme

Emphasizes the recurring or dominant idea.

foundational principle

Highlights the idea as a base upon other ideas are built.

elementary principle

Highlights that the idea is the basics of a more complex idea.

simple concept

Indicates the easy to understand aspect of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic notion" to introduce a core concept, such as, "The "basic notion" of supply and demand is fundamental to economics".

What are some alternatives to "basic notion"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "basic notion" in formal writing?

Yes, "basic notion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where you need to establish a foundational understanding. However, consider other alternatives to vary your writing.

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

"Basic notion" implies a more foundational and essential concept, while "general idea" suggests a broader and less specific understanding. Use "basic notion" when you want to emphasize the fundamental nature of the concept.