function as a basic guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a basic guide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that serves as a foundational reference or starting point for understanding a topic or process. Example: "This manual will function as a basic guide for new users to navigate the software effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chapter will serve as a basic guide to those who have no background in reservoir geophysics or petroleum engineering.

Handbook of Geophysical Exploration: Seismic Exploration

Ask yourself if what you have chosen would handle being ironed a high heat as a basic guide to it's suitability.

WikiHow

Write a basic guide to understanding political coalitions.

The New York Times

Previously – A Basic Guide to Existing in Summer.

Vice

All of this means that the Bitcoin Bowl itself will function as a basic awareness raising event.

Huffington Post

During consultation, using an information booklet (e.g., the 'Treatment Guide Chemotherapy' in the Netherlands [ 22]) can function just as a basic guideline and as an aid for patients at home, but the discussion of the contained information should be adapted to and, if necessary, extended to patient's specific information needs.

BMC Nursing

Suggested menus are meant to function as a guide, not an eating girdle.

The New York Times

To the informed consumer, this label can function as a guide.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

These tensions stimulate imaginative leaps into the triple thought: the work of art that functions as a moral guide.

The New York Times - Arts

If the trig inequality contains only one trig function, solve it as a basic trig inequality.

WikiHow

This is just a very basic guide.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "function as a basic guide" when something offers an introductory level of understanding, not an exhaustive treatment of a subject.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a basic guide" for materials that are comprehensive or advanced. This phrase indicates a beginner-level introduction, so ensure the content matches that expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a basic guide" primarily serves as a predicative expression, indicating the role or purpose of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples illustrate its use in defining the role of a document or resource in providing fundamental information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "function as a basic guide" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that provides fundamental information or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general instruction. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject offers introductory-level knowledge and is not overly complex. Alternatives such as "serve as a rudimentary manual" or "act as an introductory handbook" can be used to slightly alter the tone or formality. Remember to avoid overstating the scope, and always align the content with the expectation of a beginner-level introduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a rudimentary manual

Replaces "basic guide" with "rudimentary manual", implying a simpler, more fundamental level of instruction.

act as an introductory handbook

Substitutes "function as" with "act as" and "basic guide" with "introductory handbook", suggesting a more formal and comprehensive guide.

operate as a foundational resource

Changes "basic guide" to "foundational resource", emphasizing its role as a starting point for further learning.

work as an elementary guideline

Replaces "basic guide" with "elementary guideline", highlighting simplicity and ease of use.

be a primary source of guidance

Focuses on the guiding aspect, replacing "function as a basic guide" with a more direct statement of purpose.

provide a simple orientation

Highlights the orientation aspect, implying a brief and straightforward introduction.

offer a fundamental overview

Emphasizes the overview aspect, suggesting a concise and general presentation of the topic.

present a starting point

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the idea of providing an initial reference or direction.

serve as an initial tutorial

Specifies the form of the guide as a tutorial and change basic to initial.

act as a primer

Uses "primer" as a synonym for a basic introductory guide, implying a concise and essential overview.

FAQs

How can I use "function as a basic guide" in a sentence?

You can use "function as a basic guide" to describe something that provides fundamental information or instruction. For example, "This chapter will "serve as a basic guide" to those who have no background in reservoir geophysics or petroleum engineering."

What are some alternatives to "function as a basic guide"?

Alternatives include "serve as a rudimentary manual", "act as an introductory handbook", or "operate as a foundational resource", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "function as a basic guide" in formal writing?

Yes, "function as a basic guide" is appropriate for formal writing, but alternatives like "serve as a primary resource" or "act as a fundamental reference" might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "function as a basic guide" and "function as a comprehensive guide"?

"Function as a basic guide" implies providing introductory-level information, whereas "function as a comprehensive guide" suggests offering a thorough and detailed treatment of the subject. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the scope of the material.