basic question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental or essential inquiry that serves as a starting point for discussion or analysis. Example: "Before we dive deeper into the topic, let's address the basic question: What is the main issue at hand?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— basic question".

The New Yorker

That was the basic question.

The New Yorker

It's a basic question.

The Guardian - Books

A very basic question!

Harvard Business Review

But the basic question remained.

The New York Times

Basic question but interesting, inspiring answers.

The New York Times

But the basic question remains fatally unresolved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is the basic question of Brexit.

The Guardian

DR. SEIDL: Now, a basic question.

Yale University

Again, a basic question but a must-have.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Very basic questions.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a complex topic, start by clearly stating the "basic question" to provide context and guide the discussion.

Common error

Avoid jumping into details without first establishing the "basic question". This can confuse your audience and make your argument less effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic question" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a fundamental inquiry that needs to be addressed. Ludwig's examples show its use in framing discussions and analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic question" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to introduce a fundamental inquiry, serving as a starting point for discussion or analysis. As illustrated by the numerous examples in Ludwig, the phrase is commonly employed in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse, showcasing its versatility across various registers. Alternatives such as "fundamental question" or "essential question" can be used to add emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by defining the "basic question" early on to provide context for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental question

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the inquiry.

essential question

Highlights the critical importance of the question.

core question

Focuses on the central aspect of the issue.

key question

Indicates a particularly important question to be addressed.

primary question

Highlights that the inquiry is the main point to clarify.

underlying question

Refers to a question that lies beneath the surface.

central inquiry

Uses a more formal term for question.

foundational inquiry

Stresses the groundwork the question provides.

elementary question

Emphasizes the simplicity and straightforwardness of the inquiry.

initial question

Focuses on its place as the starting point.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic question" to introduce a fundamental inquiry. For example: "The "basic question" is, how do we solve this problem?"

What is a more formal alternative to "basic question"?

Alternatives include "fundamental question" or "essential question", which add a sense of importance and criticality to the inquiry.

Is it always necessary to address the "basic question"?

Addressing the "basic question" at the beginning of a discussion or analysis helps provide context and clarity. However, in some contexts, it may be more effective to introduce the topic gradually.

What's the difference between a "basic question" and a complex one?

A "basic question" is a straightforward inquiry that helps define the scope of the topic, while a complex question often involves multiple layers and requires more in-depth analysis.