in basic terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in basic terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to summarize something more complicated in simpler terms. For example: "To sum it up, in basic terms, our plan is to increase efficiency and profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have learned to reclaim and reframe that term which in basic terms describes a female dog.

Huffington Post

To put this in basic terms, the balance sheet does not look good.

The Guardian - Opinion

In basic terms, we're talking about the area you may have heard referenced before as "pay-per-call".

The Guardian

What's the difference, in basic terms, between this and George Lucas's much-maligned "fix-ups" to the original Star Wars trilogy?

The Guardian - Film

What that means in basic terms is that No Man's Sky is virtually infinite, offering up 18 quintillion planets for gamers to explore.

The Guardian

That's because, in basic terms, the CPI is an average, based on the "typical" basket of goods bought by UK households each year.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is developing breakthroughs in machining technology – in basic terms, taking a lump of metal and turning it into a high-quality product through drilling, cutting and grinding.

The Guardian - Business

Explain in basic terms some of the most important areas to consider, such as: RAM, hard drive, firewall, fire wire, and Ethernet.

The New York Times

In basic terms he is a fine coach and one who could, theoretically, strike up a managerial partnership with the former Scotland captain Gary McAllister.

The Guardian - Sport

In basic terms, the aid acts as an annual incentive payment to Cairo for abiding by the 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

The New York Times

In basic terms, it's the difference between someone who looks in the mirror to check what is right (so incredibly right!) about their appearance, rather than what is wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in basic terms", ensure the subsequent explanation is genuinely simpler and avoids jargon, catering to a general understanding.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy or misleading your audience. While "in basic terms" aims for clarity, it should not sacrifice essential details or distort the core meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in basic terms" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an explanatory phrase. It signals to the audience that a simplified explanation of a complex topic is about to follow. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase being correct and useful for summarizing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in basic terms" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to simplify complex topics for a broader audience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in summarizing information. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science contexts underscores its role in clarifying information for general understanding. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal and is best used when aiming for clarity without sacrificing essential details. Remember that while alternatives like "simply put" and "in layman's terms" exist, "in basic terms" uniquely emphasizes the simplification of complex terminology, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simple terms

A slightly more concise version, omitting "basic".

basically

A one-word adverb conveying the same idea.

simply put

Focuses on the act of simplifying, omitting the "terms" aspect.

in layman's terms

Highlights the use of language understandable to non-experts.

to put it simply

Emphasizes the speaker's intention to simplify the explanation.

in plain English

Highlights the use of clear and straightforward language.

in a nutshell

Implies a very brief and condensed explanation.

to break it down

Suggests a step-by-step simplification process.

in essence

Focuses on the core meaning, rather than a simplified explanation.

at its core

Highlights the fundamental aspect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "in basic terms" to introduce a simplified explanation of a concept, for example, "In basic terms, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light into energy."

What phrases are similar to "in basic terms"?

Alternatives to "in basic terms" include "simply put", "in layman's terms", or "to put it simply".

Is it appropriate to use "in basic terms" in formal writing?

While "in basic terms" is generally acceptable, consider the context. For highly formal or academic writing, more precise language may be preferred. However, it can be effective for ensuring clarity, even in professional settings.

What's the difference between "in basic terms" and "basically"?

"In basic terms" introduces a simplified explanation, while "basically" is an adverb that generally means 'essentially' or 'fundamentally'. They can sometimes be interchangeable, but "in basic terms" specifically signals a simplification.