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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
deficiency in basic
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "deficiency in basic" is not complete and lacks clarity in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack or shortfall in fundamental skills or knowledge, but it needs to be followed by a noun to specify what is deficient. Example: "The report highlighted a deficiency in basic math skills among the students."
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
However, these modifications are usually costly and energy-consuming, and the resulting products in large part are characterized by low nutrition value, volatility of the amino acid composition, as well as deficiency in basic amino acids (Coward-Kelly et al. 2006; Staron et al. 2010).
Science
Most of the other 1995 objectives in child health (acute respiratory infections), in maternal health, in malnutrition (including iron deficiency anemia and iodine deficiency), in basic education, and in hygiene, water and sanitation have not been achieved.
Formal & Business
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
People with mental disabilities face glaring deficiencies in basic care, like checkups and immunizations.
News & Media
SIDS SGA showed a number of deficiencies in basic volumetric and surface area parameters.
Science
An HEE briefing paper on the hospital, written after that inspection, said its inspectors had found worrying evidence of "paucity of effective clinical leadership; culture of bullying; extreme workload; deficiencies in basic emergency department equipment; [and] deficiencies in basic emergency department comptencies amongst trust doctors".
News & Media
In 2002, the surgeon general at the time, David Satcher, issued a report exposing "glaring deficiencies" in basic care, like checkups and immunizations, for those with mental disabilities.
News & Media
HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: "Whilst modern slavery cases can be complex and require significant manpower, many of the shortcomings in investigating these cases reflect deficiencies in basic policing practice.
News & Media
In addition to the challenge of marine litter, these States face serious deficiencies in basic waste management capabilities, due mainly to small and sparse populations with limited potential economies of scale.
(MK2) Many students experienced deficiencies in basic science knowledge and in their ability to apply it.
Science
Most district/rural hospitals reported multiple deficiencies in basic infrastructure, with only one district/rural hospital reporting no deficiencies.
Science
Critical deficiencies in basic infrastructure required to provide surgical services, well documented in previous studies, were also noted.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "deficiency in basic", always specify what is lacking. For example, "deficiency in basic math skills" is more informative than just "deficiency in basic".
Common error
Avoid using "deficiency in basic" without clearly stating what area is deficient. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "deficiency in basic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a lack or inadequacy in something fundamental, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples referring to "deficiencies in basic science knowledge" or "deficiencies in basic care."
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
31%
Formal & Business
19%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "deficiency in basic" points to a lack of fundamental elements. Ludwig indicates that while the phrase is relatively common, it benefits from specification to avoid ambiguity. The phrase finds frequent use in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While grammatically acceptable, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is deficient. Alternatives such as "lack of fundamental" or "shortfall in essential" may offer improved clarity depending on the intended meaning. This assessment aligns with Ludwig's analysis suggesting the need for greater precision in usage.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lack of fundamental
Replaces "deficiency" with "lack" and "basic" with "fundamental", emphasizing absence rather than a deficit.
shortfall in essential
Uses "shortfall" to convey inadequacy and "essential" to highlight the necessity of what is missing.
deficit in core
Substitutes "deficiency" with "deficit" and "basic" with "core", focusing on a fundamental shortage.
inadequacy in primary
Replaces "deficiency" with "inadequacy" and "basic" with "primary", highlighting the insufficiency of something fundamental.
insufficiency in elementary
Similar to the original, but uses "insufficiency" and "elementary" for emphasis.
absence of foundational
Focuses on the complete lack of a "foundational" element, stronger than just a "deficiency".
limited grasp of essential
Shifts focus to understanding, suggesting a weak comprehension of "essential" concepts.
weakness in rudimentary
Highlights a "weakness" rather than a complete lack, using "rudimentary" for simplicity.
poor command of fundamental
Emphasizes control or mastery, suggesting a "poor command" over "fundamental" aspects.
scarcity of fundamental
Indicates a "scarcity" or limited availability of "fundamental" elements or resources.
FAQs
How can I use "deficiency in basic" in a sentence?
Use "deficiency in basic" to point out a lack of fundamental knowledge or skills. For example: "The study revealed a significant "deficiency in basic" reading comprehension among the students".
What are some alternatives to "deficiency in basic"?
Alternatives include "lack of fundamental", "shortfall in essential", or "deficit in core", depending on the context.
Is it better to say "deficiency in basic" or "lack of basic"?
"Lack of basic" is often more straightforward and easier to understand. "Deficiency in basic" is grammatically sound, but can feel more formal or technical.
What does "deficiency in basic" imply?
It implies that there's a lack or inadequacy in fundamental skills, knowledge, or resources. It suggests something essential is missing or not sufficiently developed.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
3.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested