elementary

USAGE SUMMARY

"elementary" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it when referring to basic principles, ideas, or facts. For example, "This task is so easy; it’s almost elementary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They raised four kids and sent them all to private school, elementary to college, so they never had any money," Sarah Heil said.

The Guardian

Senior party strategists believe the polls will inevitably tighten as the general election nears, and as they hammer home their "elementary argument" that only a vote for Labour can stop Cameron.

The Guardian

Rather than concentrate on Brand's elementary mistake, though, the fuss was about whether his book should be published.

The Guardian

'There are two elementary principles: first take your people with you.

The Guardian

After the way they had defended throughout the tournament it was a remarkably elementary way for the West Germans to fall behind.

The Guardian - Sport

West Coast led by five points at quarter time, but the second quarter became a scrap as both sides made elementary errors.

The Guardian - Sport

Some have installed metal detectors, while others have expanded school resource officers to secure not only high schools but also middle and elementary schools.

The Guardian

They believe that he picked an elementary school because he felt it was a point of least resistance, where he could rack up the greatest number of kills.

The Economist

In July Osaka's high court upheld an earlier ruling over racial discrimination that ordered Zaitokukai, an ultra-right group that leads hate-speech rallies across the country, to pay ¥12m ($111,000) for its tirades against a pro-North Korean elementary school in Kyoto.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And so on, through the interminable rituals of legalistic nyah-nyahing, group dominance struggles, and occasional violence that comprise elementary-school playground life.

The Economist

Chuck in rising elementary- and secondary-school enrolment, and a new theory is emerging: young families are returning to North Dakota, particularly to its bigger towns and suburbs.The main beneficiary is Fargo, North Dakota's largest city, which grew by more than 20% in the 1990s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elementary", ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to something basic, fundamental, or introductory. Avoid using it in highly technical or advanced discussions where more precise terminology is required.

Common error

Avoid using "elementary" to describe concepts or tasks that are actually quite complex. This can be dismissive or confusing. Instead, reserve "elementary" for truly simple and easily understood matters.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "elementary" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that something is at a basic or fundamental level. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in contexts ranging from education to economics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "elementary" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe something basic or fundamental. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for diverse contexts, from describing school levels to economic principles. The related phrases offer alternatives for emphasizing different aspects of simplicity or fundamentality. Remember to use "elementary" judiciously, reserving it for contexts where the simplicity is genuine, avoiding overuse in complex scenarios. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its presence across various authoritative sources, confirming its widespread use and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic

Focuses on the fundamental and essential nature.

fundamental

Emphasizes the foundational importance of something.

rudimentary

Suggests a very simple or underdeveloped level.

introductory

Implies something that serves as an initial step or overview.

primary

Highlights the initial or most important stage.

simple

Indicates a lack of complexity or difficulty.

uncomplicated

Similar to simple, but emphasizes ease of understanding.

essential

Stresses the necessity or importance of something.

foundational

Highlights the role of something as a base or support.

intro basics

This focuses on the very basic elements.

FAQs

How can I use "elementary" in a sentence?

You can use "elementary" to describe something basic or fundamental, such as "The instructions were elementary", or "He has an elementary understanding of the subject".

What's the difference between "elementary" and "basic"?

"Elementary" often implies something is so simple it's almost obvious, while "basic" simply means fundamental or necessary.

Which is correct, "elementary knowledge" or "elemental knowledge"?

"Elementary knowledge" is the more common and generally accepted phrase. "Elemental knowledge" might be used in more specific, philosophical contexts referring to fundamental elements.

What can I say instead of "elementary" to describe something easy?

You can use alternatives like "simple", "easy", or "straightforward" depending on the context.