basically true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally accurate or correct, even if there are some exceptions or nuances. Example: "While the theory has its flaws, it is basically true that exercise contributes to better mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is basically true.

The New York Times

Yes, that's basically true.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which is basically true.

The Guardian

These assertions are basically true.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's basically true; here's how it works.

The New York Times

Everything I talk about is basically true.

The Washington Post

"We're always hearing noises". That's basically true.

The New Yorker

So, our final verdict: technically false, but basically true.

The New York Times

So, the final verdict: technically false, but basically true.

The New York Times

"But then I realized that it's basically true," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

"Yes, I think the story is basically true".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically true" when you want to convey that something is generally correct, even if there are minor inaccuracies or exceptions. This is especially useful when simplifying complex information for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "basically true" when precise accuracy is crucial. In situations requiring exactness, opt for more definitive language or provide specific qualifiers to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically true" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the extent to which something is true. It softens the assertion of truth, indicating that the statement is generally, but not necessarily completely, accurate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basically true" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is generally accurate, even if it's not entirely precise. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While it's widely used, especially in news and media, it's essential to consider the level of formality required by the context and choose more precise language when accuracy is paramount. Alternatives such as "essentially correct" or "largely accurate" can provide a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially correct

Emphasizes the fundamental correctness, possibly overlooking minor inaccuracies.

largely accurate

Highlights that the statement is mostly accurate, with a potential for small errors.

generally valid

Suggests the statement holds true in most situations or contexts.

mostly right

A more informal way of saying largely accurate, suitable for casual conversation.

substantially factual

Indicates that the main facts are correct, even if some details might be imprecise.

accurate in essence

Focuses on the core accuracy, disregarding less important aspects.

true in the main

Similar to "largely accurate", but with a slightly more formal tone.

accurate on the whole

Suggests overall accuracy, even if there are some specific inaccuracies.

fairly true

Indicates a good degree of accuracy, but leaves room for notable exceptions.

roughly correct

Implies an approximation to the truth, rather than precise accuracy.

FAQs

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

You can use "basically true" to indicate that something is generally accurate, even if it's not entirely precise. For example, "The movie is "basically true" to the historical events, though some details have been changed for dramatic effect."

What phrases are similar to "basically true"?

Alternatives to "basically true" include "essentially correct", "largely accurate", or "generally valid". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "basically true" is widely understood, it might be perceived as less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using alternatives like "substantially factual" or "accurate in essence" for a more polished tone.

When should I avoid using the phrase "basically true"?

Avoid using "basically true" when precision is critical, such as in scientific reports or legal documents. In such cases, strive for complete accuracy and avoid ambiguous qualifiers. You may prefer using stronger terms or exact numbers.