basic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basic to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is fundamental or essential to a particular concept or situation. Example: "Understanding the principles of mathematics is basic to solving complex problems in engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Dissection is basic to all anatomical research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Encryption is a process basic to cryptology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gender identification is basic to marriage.

The New York Times

This is basic to civilisation".

The Guardian

This is basic to municipal labor relations.

The New York Times

They were basic to say the least.

The New York Times - Travel

Three claims are basic to the official rationale.

The New Yorker

Hotels vary from the very basic to the fairly luxurious.

The Guardian - Travel

The choreography is basic, to say the least.

The New York Times - Arts

Here's the technique basic to all water-smoking: 1.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was obviously so basic to who she is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basic to" to clearly convey that something is a foundational element or a necessary component of a larger concept or system. For example: "Understanding the scientific method is "basic to" conducting experiments."

Common error

Avoid using "basic to" when describing highly nuanced or intricate relationships. Opt for more precise language that reflects the complexity. Don't use "basic to" when a more descriptive word may enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basic to" functions as a relational adjective phrase, indicating that one thing is a foundational or essential element of another. As noted by Ludwig AI, this usage is common across various domains, highlighting its utility in establishing dependencies and essential relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basic to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote that something is fundamental or essential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications underscore its reliability in both formal and informal contexts.

When using "basic to", ensure that it accurately reflects a foundational relationship between two concepts. Consider alternatives like "fundamental to" or "essential to" for nuanced expression. However, avoid overusing it in complex or subtle situations where more descriptive language might be needed. With its wide acceptance and clear meaning, "basic to" remains a valuable tool in expressing essential relationships in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental to

Replaces "basic" with "fundamental", emphasizing the foundational nature.

essential to

Substitutes "basic" with "essential", highlighting the necessity of something.

integral to

Uses "integral" instead of "basic", suggesting that something is an indispensable part of a whole.

crucial to

Employs "crucial" in place of "basic", indicating a critical importance.

key to

Replaces the whole phrase with "key to", suggesting that something is crucial for success or understanding.

underlying to

Uses "underlying" to highlight the foundational aspect.

foundational for

Changes the preposition and uses "foundational" to stress the base upon which something is built.

elementary for

Changes the preposition and uses "elementary" to stress the rudimentary nature.

at the heart of

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the central importance.

a cornerstone of

Employs a metaphor to describe something as a fundamental building block.

FAQs

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

You can use "basic to" to show that something is a fundamental element or requirement of something else. For example: "Literacy is "basic to" participating fully in modern society".

What are some alternatives to "basic to"?

Alternatives to "basic to" include phrases like "fundamental to", "essential to", or "integral to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "basic to" or "fundamental to"?

Both "basic to" and "fundamental to" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Fundamental to" might be considered slightly more formal or emphatic, but the choice largely depends on personal preference and the context of the sentence.

What is the difference between "basic to" and "intrinsic to"?

"Basic to" implies that something is a necessary foundation or component, while "intrinsic to" suggests that something is an inherent or essential quality of something else. For instance, "understanding grammar is basic to writing well", whereas "honesty is intrinsic to integrity".