basically like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to provide a simplified explanation or example of something, indicating that what follows is a general representation. Example: "To create a successful marketing strategy, you need to identify your target audience, set clear goals, and develop a plan that looks basically like this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She addressed it in class — she was basically like, this hurts my feelings, how can we fix this?

The New York Times

"It's been basically like this in recent years," said Mr. Zhou.

The New York Times

Witnessing all of these things it was basically like, this is an extremely talented person and I should definitely reach out!

Vice

And when the room was finally completed about eight weeks before we moved out it looked basically like this, i.e. shit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The best part comes in the final forest battle scene when Kylo Ren tells Rey, "Let me train you and teach you about the Force" and she replies, "the Force?" and is basically like, I got this, no training necessary.

Huffington Post

"I'd basically like to take all of this new character language and say that we're in the next generation of CARE".

The New York Times - Magazine

Now that she doesn't, he's basically like, "No hard feelings?" While this is going on, Han Solo drinks a lot of wine, gets mad, then eventually excuses himself from the table and leaves with Leia.

Huffington Post

"It's basically like sports.

The New York Times

"Basically like a train coming through, it just hits them.

Independent

"People basically liked it," Mr. Siewers said.

The New York Times

Even if King Rob is completely innocent, this is basically like the episode of The Simpsons where Homer is falsely accused of being a pervert.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically like this" to offer a quick and relatable analogy, helping your audience grasp complex concepts easily. For example, "The internet works basically like this: a series of tubes connecting computers worldwide."

Common error

While "basically like this" is acceptable in many situations, it can sound too informal in academic papers or formal business reports. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically like this" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to provide a simplified explanation or comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. For instance, "The process works basically like this..." indicates the manner in which the process occurs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basically like this" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to provide simplified explanations or comparisons. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable expression in English writing. While frequently found in News & Media and informal contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal academic or business settings where a more precise tone is required. Alternatives such as "essentially like so" or "fundamentally similar to this" can offer a more formal approach when necessary. The phrase's purpose is to enhance understanding by relating complex ideas to familiar concepts. Always consider your audience and the context to ensure your tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially like so

Replaces "basically" with "essentially" and "this" with "so", maintaining the same meaning but with slightly more formal wording.

fundamentally similar to this

Substitutes "basically" with "fundamentally" and rephrases "like this" to emphasize the underlying similarity.

in essence, similar to this

Adds the introductory phrase "in essence" to highlight the core similarity being described.

at its core, like this

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the similarity, replacing "basically" with "at its core".

simply put, similar to this

Emphasizes the simplified explanation aspect, using "simply put" as an introductory phrase.

for all intents and purposes, like this

Introduces a legalistic tone, suggesting that the comparison is valid for practical considerations.

to all practical purposes, similar to this

Emphasizes the practical aspect of the similarity.

in a nutshell, it's like this

Highlights the concise summary aspect of the comparison.

in simple terms, similar to this

Focuses on the ease of understanding the comparison.

to put it simply, it's like this

Rephrases "in simple terms" with "to put it simply", maintaining the emphasis on clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "basically like this" in a sentence?

You can use "basically like this" to provide a simplified explanation or comparison. For example, "The process is "basically like this": you gather data, analyze it, and draw conclusions."

What phrases are similar to "basically like this"?

Alternatives include "essentially like so", "fundamentally similar to this", or "in essence, similar to this" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "basically like this" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "basically like this" is generally considered informal. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "essentially similar to" or "fundamentally the same" in academic or professional settings.

What is the difference between "basically like this" and "essentially like this"?

"Basically like this" implies a rough or simplified comparison, while "essentially like this" suggests a comparison that captures the core or fundamental nature of something.