get the basics right

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get the basics right" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to focus on and perfect the fundamental or essential elements of something. Example: Before diving into the advanced concepts, make sure to get the basics right.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's crucial they get the basics right.

The Guardian

I'm no Mo Farah, but I get the basics right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, let's concentrate and get the basics right.

The Guardian

Yet many e-tailers, even the more popular ones, still do not get the basics right.

The Economist

If we can't get the basics right, there is a real problem".

The New York Times

It's also important to get the basics right with credit reports.

Independent

"Any reform must not prioritise headline-grabbing gimmicks over the need to get the basics right.

Independent

With baking, for example, it is important to get the basics right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet when universities get the basics right it can make an enormous difference.

The Guardian

Spend time to get the basics right and quality assure your responses.

The Guardian

While fuel continues to challenge our industry, it is critical that we get the basics right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get the basics right", ensure that the 'basics' are clearly defined within the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on "get the basics right" to the detriment of exploring innovative or advanced techniques. A balance between fundamental knowledge and forward-thinking approaches is often key for comprehensive success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the basics right" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the importance of mastering foundational elements before progressing to more complex tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get the basics right" is a frequently used idiomatic expression that emphasizes the importance of mastering fundamental elements before moving on to more complex tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, lifestyle, education, and business. Related phrases such as "get the essentials right" and "master the fundamentals" offer similar nuances. When employing this phrase, define what constitutes the 'basics' to avoid ambiguity, and remember that while fundamental knowledge is essential, it should be balanced with innovative approaches for comprehensive success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get the essentials right

Focuses specifically on the most important elements.

get the fundamentals right

Emphasizes the importance of underlying principles.

get the foundations right

Stresses the need for a solid base before proceeding.

get the principles right

Highlights adherence to core guidelines or beliefs.

nail the basics

Uses a more informal and emphatic verb to convey competence.

master the fundamentals

Focuses on achieving proficiency in the core skills or knowledge.

perfect the basics

Emphasizes achieving flawlessness in the fundamental aspects.

get the ground rules right

Refers specifically to establishing the correct initial agreements or understandings.

address the fundamentals

Shifts the focus to directly dealing with the foundational aspects.

attend to the fundamentals

Highlights giving careful attention to the core elements.

FAQs

How can I use "get the basics right" in a sentence?

You can use "get the basics right" to emphasize the importance of fundamental skills or knowledge before moving on to more complex tasks. For example, "Before attempting advanced calculus, make sure you "get the basics right" in algebra".

What is another way to say "get the basics right"?

Alternatives to "get the basics right" include phrases such as "master the fundamentals", "nail the basics", or "get the essentials right".

Is it better to focus on advanced techniques or "get the basics right" first?

While advanced techniques can be appealing, it's generally more effective to ""get the basics right"" first. A solid foundation of fundamental knowledge is crucial for understanding and applying more complex concepts successfully.

What does it mean to "get the basics right" in project management?

In project management, to ""get the basics right"" means to ensure that fundamental aspects such as clear communication, well-defined goals, and resource allocation are effectively managed from the outset. This is essential before scaling up or incorporating sophisticated tools.