basically accurate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically accurate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is generally true or correct, even if it may not be completely precise or detailed. Example: "While the report has some minor errors, it is basically accurate in its overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the article was basically accurate about his views.

The New York Times

Diana Chapin, executive director of the Water Board, said that the numbers cited by Mr. Lockhart were basically accurate.

The New York Times

The beam of light part is basically accurate — that's what a laser produces, although in this case the light is not in the visible part of the spectrum.

The New York Times - Science

In a film which already upsets viewers who like their westerns gritty and serious, this sounds flagrantly cartoonish – but Charles Woodcock was a real person, and the scene is basically accurate.

The Guardian - Film

"I think it has less to do with the statements we've made, which I think were basically accurate and reflect reality, than it does with the fact that there's a constant sort of perception, if you will, that's created because what's newsworthy is the car bomb in Baghdad".

The New Yorker

And historically, that's basically accurate.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Ovitz says that the stories about him "are basically not accurate".

The New Yorker

Add in a simple robotic eye like Centeye and you're basically as accurate as a Predator drone, albeit one loaded with copies of Diary Of A Wimpy Kid and not Hellfire missiles.

TechCrunch

The less ambitious of the two is Sony's Move for the PlayStation 3, which is basically a more accurate and precise version of the Wii control wand.

The New York Times - Arts

What's new here is the game's seamless and powerful use of the new Move system for the PlayStation 3. Move is basically a more accurate version of the motion-sensitive Wii controller, but coupled with the PS3's high-definition gameplay.

The New York Times - Arts

A large disparity is basically required for accurate triangulation.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basically accurate", consider specifying what aspects are accurate and what might not be, providing more context and clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "basically accurate" when the information contains significant errors or omissions. If inaccuracies are substantial, choose a more cautious phrase or revise the information to improve its accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically accurate" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a level of accuracy that is not absolute but generally reliable. It is used to qualify statements or information, suggesting that while minor inaccuracies may exist, the overall content is correct. As Ludwig AI suggests, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basically accurate" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that indicates a level of accuracy that is generally reliable but not necessarily perfect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using "basically accurate", consider the specific context and whether a more precise term like "largely accurate" or "virtually accurate" might be more appropriate. Avoiding overstatement is key, ensuring that the degree of accuracy aligns with the information being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually accurate

Emphasizes that something is almost entirely accurate, with only minor deviations.

largely accurate

Indicates that the majority of something is accurate, though some parts may not be.

mostly accurate

Similar to 'largely accurate', suggesting a high degree of accuracy but not complete.

generally accurate

Implies that something is accurate in most cases or aspects, but not necessarily in every detail.

fundamentally accurate

Suggests that the core or essential aspects of something are accurate.

substantially accurate

Indicates a significant level of accuracy, though perhaps not perfect.

essentially correct

Focuses on the core correctness of something, even if minor details are off.

accurate enough

Highlights that something meets a minimum level of accuracy required for a specific purpose.

near enough

Informal way to say it is close enough to accurate for the situation.

more or less accurate

Indicates an approximation of accuracy, allowing for some degree of error.

FAQs

How can I use "basically accurate" in a sentence?

You can use "basically accurate" to describe information that is mostly correct, even if it contains minor errors. For example: "The report is "basically accurate", despite a few outdated statistics."

What are some alternatives to "basically accurate"?

Alternatives include "largely accurate", "generally accurate", or "mostly accurate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "basically accurate" in formal writing?

While "basically accurate" is acceptable in many contexts, for formal writing you might prefer a more precise term like "substantially accurate" or "virtually accurate" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "basically accurate" and "completely accurate"?

"Basically accurate" suggests minor imperfections or a lack of complete detail, whereas "completely accurate" means there are no errors or omissions. Use "basically accurate" when you want to acknowledge that the information isn't perfect, but is still reliable overall.