basically understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It denotes a general understanding of something, and is usually used in situations where the understanding is not complete. For example: I've read a lot about Bitcoin, but I basically understand how it works.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Table 6 PTs' self-reflection on learning to teach AP in prompt 1 Levels of understanding Frequency Example responses No confusion 11 (45.7) Basically understand and practice needed 4 (16.7) Still have confusion about the "order" 6 (25) Question this approach and refuse to change 3 (12.5).

International Journal of STEM Education

He's done some movies, like "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," so he can basically understand anything having to do with different dimensions.

The New York Times

Our colleagues basically understand [the procedures]… There's no need to [handover], there's no need cause there's so many things [to deal with].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Though our observations of the SC event can be basically understood in the framework of existing understanding, some features still require additional consideration and modeling.

Earth, Planets and Space

The individual basically understands his or her own being, an understanding of which, according Ortega, does not belong to the common life of man in general; rather, it belongs to each unique individual (Obras, 6: 25).

SEP

Of the major global powers, you basically understood which color was supposed to stand for whom.

The New Yorker

"It's basically understood that we write each other in moments like this".

The New York Times - Sports

When I started researching domestic violence last year, I thought I basically understood it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We now basically understood this telegraph-like noise.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The photo production on nuclei can be basically understood as the quasi-free reaction with the reasonable medium modifications.

Hadron and Nuclear Physics with Electromagnetic Probes Proceedings of the Second KEK-Tanashi International Symposium Tanashi,Tokyo, October 25–27, 1999

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically understand" when you want to convey that someone has a general, but not necessarily complete or detailed, understanding of a concept or situation. It's useful in contexts where precision isn't critical, but overall comprehension is.

Common error

Avoid using "basically understand" if you need to convey complete mastery or in-depth knowledge of a topic. Opt for phrases like "thoroughly understand" or "fully comprehend" to avoid misleading your audience about the level of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically understand" functions as a qualifier indicating the degree of comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests a general understanding, not necessarily complete. This is evident in the examples, where it describes a foundational level of knowledge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basically understand" is a useful expression to indicate a general comprehension of a topic, without implying full mastery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While considered neutral to informal, its usage is suitable for various contexts like Science, News & Media and Formal & Business correspondence. When aiming for clarity and conveying a nuanced understanding, it's important to note phrases like "generally grasp" or "have a basic grasp of" might serve as alternatives based on the context. Be mindful to not overstate comprehension and opt for stronger verbs when detailed knowledge is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a basic grasp of

Similar in meaning, but puts more emphasis on holding or controlling the understanding.

have a fundamental understanding of

Indicates understanding the core concepts.

generally grasp

Focuses more on the act of mentally taking hold of an idea.

primarily understand

Focuses on understanding the main aspects.

largely comprehend

Emphasizes the extent of understanding being substantial but not complete.

mostly understand

Implies understanding the majority of something.

broadly apprehend

Suggests understanding the general scope or outline of something.

get the gist of

A more informal way of saying you understand the main point.

have a rough idea of

Indicates an approximate understanding, lacking in detail.

possess a rudimentary understanding of

Highlights that the understanding is basic or elementary.

FAQs

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

You can use "basically understand" to indicate a general, but not necessarily complete, comprehension. For example, "I basically understand the theory, but I need more practice to apply it effectively."

What are some alternatives to "basically understand"?

Alternatives include "generally grasp", "have a basic grasp of", or "get the gist of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "basically understand" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "fundamentally comprehend" or "possess a rudimentary understanding of" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

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

"Basically understand" implies a general or partial comprehension, while "fully understand" suggests a complete and thorough understanding. Using "basically understand" indicates that some details or nuances may still be unclear.