basic overview

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic overview" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when providing a simple and general summary of a topic or subject matter. Example: "In this report, we will provide a basic overview of the current market trends and their implications for our business strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Science A basic overview of planets, plants, and different animal species.

The New Yorker

Government and politics Bermuda government Basic overview of the government and its departments, plus contact addresses for ministers and goverment offices and political parties.

The Guardian

A playful way to review pronouns is to show the "Schoolhouse Rock" episode "Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla," which provides a basic overview in song and animation.

The New York Times

(Warning: This is an extremely basic overview. If you're already someone who, you know, tweets, this will all seem like old news. But it's not intended for you).

The New York Times - Tech

Food & Drink will give you a basic overview of the area's specialties, and then suggest establishments based on categories like "family-friendly," "food with a view," "cocktail specialists" and many more.

The New York Times - Travel

Weeks after the disaster, he said, several of the agency "clusters" in charge of handling needs like food and shelter had not even developed a basic overview of what they had to do, much less a plan.

The New York Times

On the road north to Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum on Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road in Ormonde ( admission £3.40) is an excellent primer, allowing you to get a basic overview or, if you have time, dig deeper into the generous mix of text, photography, video and artefacts.

The Guardian - Travel

For example, if you are going to discuss the Occupy Wall Street protests and their connection to income inequality, get a basic overview from the Times Topics page, or read the Room for Debate discussion "Is It Effective to Occupy Wall Street?" to explore different points of view.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Most free videos offer basic overviews and quick tips for using the software rather than comprehensive training, but these may be enough to get you started with the new software.

The New York Times

In this article, we therefore provide an introductory overview over basic and current principles of tempo detection.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

We will first provide a basic historical overview of how BRACAnalysis® and Herceptin® were developed, looking for factors that might explain the divergent narratives.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic overview" to set the stage for more complex discussions. It provides a foundation upon which further details can be built.

Common error

Avoid using "basic overview" when the audience already possesses a strong understanding of the topic. Instead, opt for more specific or advanced terminology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic overview" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement to verbs like provide, give, or offer. It indicates a general summary or introduction to a subject, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science & Research

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basic overview" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to introduce and summarize a topic. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, offering a neutral tone suitable for informing a broad audience. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the audience understands the introductory nature of the content and doesn't expect in-depth analysis. Alternatives like "general summary" or "brief introduction" may be considered based on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential summary

Focuses on the most important aspects.

core synopsis

Presents a short description that includes essential information.

fundamental outline

Highlights the core elements and structure.

general summary

Emphasizes the summarization aspect, focusing on key points without detail.

brief introduction

Highlights the introductory nature, suggesting a starting point for understanding.

elementary outline

Stresses the structural aspect, focusing on the foundational framework.

simple rundown

Offers an informal alternative, suitable for casual contexts.

introductory sketch

Implies a preliminary and somewhat incomplete representation.

initial glimpse

Suggests a quick and superficial look at the subject matter.

preliminary survey

Conveys a structured and methodical examination at an early stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic overview" to introduce a summary or introduction to a subject. For example, "This chapter provides a "basic overview" of ecology."

What are some alternatives to "basic overview"?

Alternatives include "general summary", "brief introduction", or "elementary outline", depending on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

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

Yes, "basic overview" is acceptable in formal writing to indicate that you are providing an introductory summary. However, in more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "essential summary" or "fundamental outline".

What is the difference between "basic overview" and "in-depth analysis"?

"Basic overview" provides a general introduction and summary of a topic, while "in-depth analysis" involves a detailed and thorough examination. Use "basic overview" when you need to provide a general understanding, and "in-depth analysis" when you need to explore a subject with substantial detail.