basically know how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically know how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express a general understanding or familiarity with a subject or skill, without claiming complete expertise. Example: "I basically know how to play the guitar, but I'm still learning the more complex chords."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Today, however, a Renaissance person should basically know how to draw and paint a bit.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I think … I think basically we know how stupid we are, that's why we don't do interviews".

The Guardian - Music

Basically, you know how when you buy a computer from a retail store and it's loaded with all sorts of trial applications that clutter up the desktop?

TechCrunch

You basically had to know how to multiply, divide, read graphs and do simple algebra equations.

The New York Times

"Basically, if you know how to use a drill and a screwdriver, you're in business".

The New York Times

Also, people in Jamaica basically don't know how I am doing.

The Guardian - Sport

PAGE A15 CALCULATING INNOCENCE Despite the occasional claim to the contrary, including by a Supreme Court justice, it's basically impossible to know how many people in prison are innocent.

The New York Times

And it all built up to the moment when I finished this screenplay, and I basically said, "I know how good it is, and I'm not going to let anybody else tell me, and what's going to happen is that I'm going to direct it, and that's all there is to it".

The New Yorker

Yet the most significant new feature of quantum physics, the notion of quantum nonlocality and its verification using Earth-based experiments, is never addressed by cosmologists because they basically do not know how to deal with it.

Advances in Space Research

When deciding whether to get vaccinated, people basically want to know how sick or impaired they would become from the vaccine and whether they would become severely ill or die if they get the disease.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

They'll basically want to know how you'll perform when faced with obstacles in the position you're interviewing for.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basically know how", ensure that the context clarifies the extent and limitations of the knowledge or skill. It suggests a functional but not necessarily expert level of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "basically know how" if you need to convey a high level of proficiency. This phrase implies a foundational understanding, not mastery. If you are an expert use "master" or "proficient" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically know how" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb and adverbial phrase, indicating a limited or general understanding of a skill or process. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a functional level of knowledge without implying expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basically know how" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a general understanding or functional knowledge of a skill or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, though it implies a level of competence short of expertise. While highly versatile, it's crucial to consider alternative phrases like "generally understand" or "have a working knowledge of" for greater precision or formality. The analysis underscores that the phrase is well-established in various forms of media and general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a basic understanding of

Similar to "understand the basics", but slightly more formal.

generally understand

Focuses on comprehension rather than specific skill.

have a working knowledge of

Emphasizes practical application of knowledge.

know the fundamentals of

Highlights knowing basic and foundational knowledge.

understand the basics of

Highlights a foundational level of understanding.

have a general idea of

Emphasizes a non-specific level of knowing.

have a rudimentary grasp of

Indicates a very basic level of comprehension.

possess a fundamental understanding of

Stresses the core elements of knowledge.

be familiar with the principles of

Focuses on understanding underlying concepts.

comprehend the essentials of

Highlights understanding key aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "basically know how" in a sentence?

You can use "basically know how" to indicate a general understanding or ability, for instance: "I "basically know how" to use the software, but I'm not an expert."

What's a more formal alternative to "basically know how"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "have a working knowledge of" or "possess a fundamental understanding of" instead of ""basically know how"".

Is it correct to say "basic know how" instead of "basically know how"?

While "basic know how" might be understood, ""basically know how"" is more grammatically sound and commonly used to express having a fundamental understanding.

What's the difference between "basically know how" and "fully understand how"?

"Basically know how" implies a general understanding, whereas "fully understand how" suggests complete comprehension. Use ""basically know how"" when you want to express a functional but not exhaustive knowledge.