basically because

USAGE SUMMARY

"basically because" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an explanation for something, usually as a more succinct and casual way of saying "because" or "due to the fact that." For example, "I decided to stay home, basically because I was feeling a bit under the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Basically because they can.

The New Yorker

Basically because it's run by men.

The Guardian

He added: "It's basically because they can.

The Guardian

"Basically, because their ecology doesn't require them to".

The New York Times

"It's basically because of the euro zone crisis," he said.

The New York Times

I drank a lot, basically, because I wasn't interested".

The New York Times

IPPs were scrapped in 2012, basically because they were unworkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Basically, because I was using the idea for satire.

The Guardian - Film

Basically, because I'm a black person, and that's it".

The Guardian

Basically, because glitter is light-reflecting, it shows up flaws.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A: Basically because it was the most direct (and therefore, cheapest) route.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically because" to introduce a straightforward explanation or justification in informal contexts. It's a concise way to provide a reason without being overly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "basically because" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "due to the fact that" or "primarily because" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically because" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement to its reason. It introduces an explanation, often in a simplified or informal manner. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which states that this phrase is used to introduce an explanation for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basically because" is a commonly used phrase that acts as a causal connector, introducing a simplified or fundamental reason. Ludwig AI confirms its purpose is to introduce an explanation. While grammatically correct, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts and should be used cautiously in formal or academic writing, where alternatives like "due to the fact that" or "primarily because" might be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis shows that it appears frequently in news and media sources, and less so in formal business contexts. Understanding its register and purpose allows for effective and context-appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly because

This alternative focuses on the primary reason, similar to "basically because" but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

largely because

This alternative indicates that the reason is a major contributing factor, similar to "basically because" but emphasizes scale.

primarily because

This alternative highlights the most important reason, sharing a similar function with "basically because" but with increased emphasis.

chiefly because

This alternative suggests the main reason, like "basically because", but with a more formal tone.

mostly because

This alternative indicates that the reason is true in most cases, similar to "basically because" but with a focus on prevalence.

generally because

This alternative points to a common or typical reason, similar to "basically because" but with a broader scope.

principally because

This alternative highlights the fundamental reason, echoing "basically because" but with a more formal nuance.

substantially because

This alternative suggests that the reason significantly contributes, resembling "basically because" but with a focus on impact.

due to the fact that

This alternative provides a more formal and detailed explanation, compared to the succinct "basically because".

on account of the fact that

This alternative introduces a more formal justification, offering a parallel to "basically because" with increased sophistication.

FAQs

What does "basically because" mean?

The phrase "basically because" is used to introduce a fundamental or simplified reason for something. It's a casual way of saying "because" or "due to the fact that".

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

You can use "basically because" to provide a simple explanation. For example: "I stayed home, basically because I was tired."

What are some alternatives to "basically because"?

Alternatives include "mainly because", "largely because", or "primarily because", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

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

While grammatically correct, "basically because" is generally better suited for informal contexts. More formal alternatives like "due to the fact that" or "on account of the fact that" may be more appropriate in formal writing.