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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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basically based

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically based" is not standard in written English and may come across as redundant.
It can be used informally to emphasize a fundamental or core idea, but it is better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "The theory is basically based on the principles of physics, which have been established for centuries."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It was basically based on military strategy, military planning.

Basically, based on this tracking, we're taking any theater we can get".

News & Media

The New York Times

The software, bio tech, and green industries are basically based out of California.

Criteria for selection of kits and devices were basically based on ergonomic and economic evaluation.

So what I found that the essence of business was basically based on voluntary exchange for mutual benefit.

The proposed method is basically based on the prediction of the near-future ground accelerations using maximum-entropy method.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

It basically bases a conclusion on the idea that if A happens, then following a small series of steps (B, C, D...) X,Y, Z will happen as well.

For example, the melodies are more often basically pentatonic (based on a five-tone scale).

I am against hard quotas, quotas they basically delineate based upon whatever.

News & Media

The Economist

Power systems are basically designed based on the (N − 1) criterion.

Senator Tim Scott, Republican of South Carolina, told The Post and Courier of Charleston that Mr. Graham had related Mr. Trump's remarks to him after the meeting, and he called news reports about them "basically accurate" based on that account.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basically based", consider whether a more precise term like "founded on" or "derived from" would add clarity and avoid redundancy.

Common error

Avoid using "basically based" in formal writing where conciseness is valued. It often adds unnecessary words without contributing significantly to the meaning.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

3.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically based" functions as a qualifier, specifying the foundation or origin of something. It indicates the underlying principle or idea on which something is constructed or developed. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase appears in various contexts, often describing the fundamental aspect of a concept or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basically based" is a relatively common expression used to indicate the foundational element of something. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it can often be redundant and replaced with more concise alternatives like "founded on" or "derived from", especially in formal contexts. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic writing, suggesting a broad applicability. When writing, consider if the "basically" adds meaningful emphasis or if a simpler construction would be more effective. While prevalent in a variety of sources, the phrase is more suitable for neutral and slightly informal communication.

FAQs

What does "basically based" mean?

The phrase "basically based" indicates that something is fundamentally or primarily founded on a particular principle, idea, or method. However, it can sometimes be redundant; consider using a stronger, more concise alternative.

How can I rephrase "basically based" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, replace "basically based" with phrases like "primarily derived", "fundamentally rooted", or "largely predicated" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically incorrect to say "basically based"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, "basically based" can be considered redundant. The word "basically" often adds little to the meaning, so using just "based" may be more effective.

What's the difference between "basically based" and "primarily based"?

"Basically based" suggests a general foundation, while "primarily based" indicates that something relies on a specific element more than others. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the fundamental nature or the main element of the base.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

3.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: