in a basic sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a basic sense" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "In a basic sense, the purpose of this project is to improve customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In a basic sense, Udrih fills an obvious roster need.

The New York Times - Sports

In a basic sense the ETS has worked.

The Guardian

Romney's political problems begin, in a basic sense, with his family history.

The New York Times - Books

In a basic sense, scandals that reduce trust in government have the potential to harm those who argue for more government.

The New York Times

It makes evolutionary sense for some people, in this case to act altruistically, if propagation of genes is driving action in a basic sense.

The Guardian

She told me that she thought people in Israel were, in a basic sense, confused: "Much action is taking place on Facebook, but not beyond it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The committee's findings on Sports Direct demonstrate how bad corporate governance can, in extreme circumstances, remove a basic sense of humanity from a business.

Forbes

Raz's account appears to illustrate a basic sense in which the values of money and companionship can be incommensurable.

SEP

This is true only in a very basic sense, in the same way that a paper airplane and a Boeing 747 share certain aerodynamic properties.

The New Yorker

Let's look at energy in a very basic sense, as in what happens when sunlight meets the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is, as such, a social network in a very basic sense: Its content is of and for the public.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a basic sense" to introduce a simplified explanation or definition of a complex topic. This can help make your writing more accessible to a wider audience.

Common error

Avoid using "in a basic sense" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fundamentally", "essentially", or "at its core".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a basic sense" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a simplified explanation or definition. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a discourse marker.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a basic sense" serves as a valuable tool for simplifying complex ideas and making them more accessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. When aiming for clarity and easy comprehension, "in a basic sense" proves useful. However, remember to maintain variety in your language by incorporating related phrases such as "fundamentally speaking" or "essentially" to avoid repetition. By strategically implementing this phrase, you can effectively enhance the understandability of your writing for a broader audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basically speaking

Similar to "in a basic sense", but slightly more informal.

fundamentally speaking

Emphasizes the underlying or core aspect of something.

at its core

Highlights the most essential or fundamental element.

at a fundamental level

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the basic understanding.

in essence

Focuses on the intrinsic nature or quality of something.

in its simplest form

Highlights the reduction of something to its most unadorned state.

in a nutshell

Conveys a concise summary of something.

at bottom

Implies a deep or underlying truth or cause.

in principle

Focuses on the theoretical or ideal aspect of something.

as a general rule

Introduces a statement that is typically true but may have exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "in a basic sense" in a sentence?

You can use "in a basic sense" to introduce a simplified explanation. For instance, "In a basic sense, photosynthesis is how plants convert light into energy."

What phrases are similar to "in a basic sense"?

Similar phrases include "fundamentally speaking", "in essence", or "basically speaking", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in a basic sense"?

It's appropriate to use "in a basic sense" when you want to provide a simplified or introductory explanation of a topic, especially when dealing with complex subjects.

Is there a more formal alternative to "in a basic sense"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "at a fundamental level" or "in principle".