in its most basic state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its most basic state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something in its simplest or fundamental form, often in discussions about concepts, theories, or objects. Example: "Water, in its most basic state, is simply H2O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Kofi Annan, the former U.N. secretary general, put it: "State sovereignty, in its most basic sense, is being redefined".

The New York Times

But state officials and outside experts brought in to study the system say it fails in its most basic tasks, because of antiquated facilities, undertrained employees and violence endemic within the walls.

The New York Times

Instead this was the one point on which he was silent, refusing to acknowledge that the state was failing in its most basic duty: 96% of these killings went unpunished.

The Economist

In its most basic form it raises few eyebrows, as surrogacy is relatively common practice.

HuffPost

It is landscape photography in its most basic, and yet ironically most surreal, form.

Vice

That is no small coincidence; it's racial profiling in its most basic and blatant form.

Huffington Post

How could it grasp the human condition in its most basic sense?

MIT Technology Review

In its most basic form, the measurement system uses the scheduled intervals between buses or trains.

The New York Times

You're left with an album that has already succeeded in its most basic aim.

The Guardian - Music

In its most basic version, individuals have opinions which can be specified by integers.

Nature

You're left with an album that has already succeeded in its most basic aim.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its most basic state" to clarify complex concepts by reducing them to their fundamental components. This is particularly useful in explanations, definitions, or when simplifying information for a broader audience.

Common error

Avoid using "in its most basic state" when describing inherently simple things. It can sound overly formal or redundant. For example, instead of saying "a rock, in its most basic state, is a solid object", simply state "a rock is a solid object".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its most basic state" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause. It serves to specify the condition of something when reduced to its most fundamental or essential elements. Ludwig AI explains that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in its most basic state" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something at its most fundamental level. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, the frequency of its use is currently "missing" based on the analyzed data. It's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science, news, and education, where it aids in clarifying complex concepts by distilling them to their essential components. When using the phrase, ensure it adds value by simplifying a complex idea, and avoid redundancy in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its simplest form

Changes the wording to emphasize simplicity.

in its fundamental form

Replaces "basic" with "fundamental" to denote foundational nature.

at its core

Uses a metaphor to indicate the essential element.

in essence

Refers to the intrinsic nature of something.

in its rawest form

Emphasizes the unrefined and natural condition.

in its barest essentials

Highlights the absolute minimum components.

stripped down to its basics

Suggests a reduction to the most important aspects.

at the most elementary level

Focuses on the introductory or beginner level.

in a rudimentary condition

Indicates an underdeveloped or primitive state.

in its nascent stage

Describes something in the early stages of development.

FAQs

How can I use "in its most basic state" in a sentence?

You can use "in its most basic state" to describe something reduced to its fundamental elements. For instance, "Water, "in its most basic state", is simply H2O, consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom".

What's a simpler alternative to "in its most basic state"?

Consider using phrases like "essentially", "fundamentally", or "at its core" as more concise alternatives.

Is it correct to say "at its most basic state" instead of "in its most basic state"?

The correct and more common phrasing is "in its most basic state". "At its most basic state" is less idiomatic.

What is the difference between "in its most basic state" and "in its simplest form"?

While similar, "in its simplest form" emphasizes ease of understanding, whereas "in its most basic state" focuses on the fundamental components.