get back to basics

USAGE SUMMARY

"get back to basics" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to going back to the fundamental or basic elements of something. For example, "We need to get back to basics and focus on developing our core products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He needs to get back to basics.

The New York Times

Let's get back to basics.

The New York Times - Style

"We need to get back to basics".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to get back to basics".

The New York Times - Sports

It needs to get back to basics".

The New York Times - Science

It's time to get back to basics".

The New York Times

Time to get back to basics and the future.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just wanted some peace, to get back to basics".

The New York Times

O.K., let's get back to basics on this one.

The New York Times - Style

It's important, sometimes, to get back to basics.

The Guardian

You lose one game, get back to basics and try not to lose the next.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing complex problems, "get back to basics" by identifying and focusing on the core elements. This can help simplify the situation and lead to more effective solutions.

Common error

Avoid layering new complexities onto the "basics" you're returning to. The point is simplification, so ensure your approach remains straightforward and uncluttered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get back to basics" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves as a call to action, urging a return to fundamental principles or practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize the need to simplify or refocus on core elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get back to basics" is a common idiomatic expression used to advocate for a return to fundamental principles, especially when situations become overly complicated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Analysis of various sources shows its widespread use across news, business, and general contexts, signaling a need to refocus on core elements for simplification and improved outcomes. While versatile, it's important to avoid adding new complexities when implementing this approach. Consider alternatives such as "return to fundamentals" or "simplify the approach" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to fundamentals

Focuses on the act of returning to the core principles.

revert to essentials

Highlights a shift back to the most necessary elements.

simplify the approach

Emphasizes making the method less complex.

focus on core principles

Directs attention to the central ideas and beliefs.

go back to square one

Suggests starting over from the beginning.

strip it down

Implies removing unnecessary elements to reveal the core.

pare it down

Similar to strip it down, but suggests a more delicate process of removal.

start from scratch

Indicates beginning anew, often after a failure.

rethink the fundamentals

Suggests a critical reassessment of basic principles.

re-evaluate core values

Focuses on reassessing the essential values.

FAQs

How can I use "get back to basics" in a sentence?

You can use "get back to basics" to suggest a return to the fundamental aspects of something. For example, "After the failed experiment, the scientists decided to "get back to basics" and re-examine their initial assumptions."

What's a similar phrase to "get back to basics"?

Alternatives to "get back to basics" include "return to fundamentals", "revert to essentials", or "simplify the approach".

When is it appropriate to use "get back to basics"?

It's appropriate to use "get back to basics" when a process or strategy has become overly complicated or ineffective, and a return to fundamental principles is needed to improve outcomes.

What does it mean to "get back to basics" in business?

In business, to "get back to basics" means to refocus on core products, services, or strategies that drive success, often by simplifying operations or improving fundamental customer relationships.