basically saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'basically saying' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to introduce the main point that you want to convey in a simpler, more concise manner. Example: The law basically saying that we can no longer do business in that city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're basically saying that".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's basically saying: 'I never harassed anyone.

The New York Times

They are basically saying it is full.

The Guardian

They're basically saying, you're ours now.

The Guardian

"It's basically saying to Palestinians: 'No peace.

The New York Times

"Mattis was basically saying, 'I'm ready.

The New Yorker

Even the government are basically saying that".

The Guardian

And this is basically saying you can do much better.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You're basically saying, do what I want or I'll shoot.

The New York Times

They're basically saying they're going to lock us out again.

The New York Times

My 'That's sculpture, too' was basically saying it's complete.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically saying" to clarify complex statements or to summarize a speaker's intent concisely. It works well when you want to express the core message without getting bogged down in details.

Common error

While useful for clarity, avoid overusing "basically saying" in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more precise alternatives like "in essence" or "essentially stating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically saying" functions as a discourse marker, indicating a simplification, summary, or interpretation of a previous statement. It introduces a restatement of the core message. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basically saying" is a commonly used phrase that serves to simplify or summarize a statement, making it easier to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While highly versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "essentially stating" in professional settings. The related phrases provided offer additional options for expressing similar meanings with subtle variations in tone and emphasis. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "basically saying" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially stating

Similar to "basically saying" but with a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the act of declaration.

what they mean is

Directly interprets the intended meaning, often used when the original statement is ambiguous or unclear.

in other words

Indicates a restatement of the same idea using different wording, aiming for clarification.

to put it simply

Highlights the act of simplification for easier understanding, often used when the original statement is complex.

the gist of it is

Captures the overall point or main idea in a concise manner, often used informally.

in essence conveying

Emphasizes the core message being transmitted, implying a distilled summary of the original statement.

the point is

Directly introduces the most important aspect, cutting through any surrounding information.

what it boils down to

Suggests a reduction to the most fundamental aspect, stripping away unnecessary details.

the implication is

Focuses on the unspoken conclusion or consequence that can be inferred from the original statement.

at its heart

Identifies the central theme or principle, suggesting a deep understanding of the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "basically saying" to simplify a complex statement. For example, "The new policy is "basically saying" that employees can work remotely."

What are some alternatives to "basically saying"?

Alternatives include "in essence", "essentially stating", or "in other words", depending on the context.

Is "basically saying" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "basically saying" can sometimes be perceived as informal. Consider using a more formal alternative like "essentially stating" in professional contexts or "formal situations".

What's the difference between "basically saying" and "literally saying"?

"Basically saying" implies simplification or interpretation of a message, whereas "literally saying" indicates that the exact words were used. They are not interchangeable.