is at its most basic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its most basic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is in its simplest form or essence. For example, "Childhood is the time of life when innocence is at its most basic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A pension is, at its most basic, income support for people too old to work, with society ensuring they are not destitute and can afford to live.

The Guardian - Money

Ceviche, for those that steer clear of such vulgar things as trends, is, at its most basic, raw fish marinated in citrus juice and spices; the acid in the juice denatures the proteins in the meat in much the same way as cooking would.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This version shows the real power of the Yo platform which is, at its most basic, a two-way communication platform between people, websites, brands, businesses and virtually anything that can connect to the internet," writes founder Or Arbel in a Medium post announcing the update.

TechCrunch

The latest take on how to improve the experience for "generation rent" in sprawling cities like London, Lyvly is at its most basic a two-sided marketplace that helps renters find high-quality shared living accommodations and landlords find good tenants.

TechCrunch

While there are a few species, a phishing attack is at its most basic an attempt by a thief to procure sensitive personal info, such as user names and passwords, by masquerading as a friendly or trusted source, or what the pros call social engineering.

TechCrunch

The exercise is, at its most basic, "bike dancing".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The dispute was, at its most basic level, over housing permits.

The New York Times

Nadia was possibly even more feverishly keen to depart, and her nature was such that the prospect of something new, of change, was at its most basic level exciting to her.

The New Yorker

Because Mr. Romney chose to make this argument a secondary matter compared to his stands on social issues, he mounted a campaign that was, at its most basic level, insincere.

The New York Times

What Grey didn't understand until he started researching the medium is the process by which sound is captured: "At its most basic, tape is basically polyester – plastic – with iron oxide on it that is stuck to it with glue.

Los Angeles Times

At their core, Daniels said, the Army is combat, and boxing is combat at its most basic level, man against man, face meet fist.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at its most basic" to clarify the fundamental nature of a concept or idea, ensuring your audience grasps the core essence before delving into complexities.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "is at its most basic" as it can become repetitive. Explore synonyms like "fundamentally" or "essentially" to add variety to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at its most basic" functions as a descriptor, specifying the essence or fundamental nature of a subject. It introduces a simplified explanation, as seen in Ludwig's examples where concepts like pensions, ceviche, and comics are defined in their most elementary terms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at its most basic" serves to distill complex subjects into their most understandable forms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Appearing frequently in "News & Media", it helps to clarify concepts for a broad audience. When writing, use it to establish a strong foundation before delving into intricate details. While effective, be mindful of overusing the phrase, and consider variations like "is fundamentally" or "is essentially" to enrich your writing. Remember, its purpose is clarity, ensuring your audience grasps the core idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fundamentally

This alternative emphasizes the underlying nature or core aspect.

is essentially

Highlights the core essence or inherent quality of something.

is basically

Indicates the most simple or uncomplicated form.

is in its simplest form

Focuses on the lack of complexity or elaboration.

is at its core

Emphasizes the central or most important part.

is at its root

Highlights the origin or foundational element.

is at the heart of

Similar to 'at its core', but emphasizes the central importance.

is reduced to

Indicates a simplification or stripping away of non-essential elements.

boils down to

Suggests that the main point or essence is something specific.

is quintessentially

Highlights the purest or most typical example of something.

FAQs

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

Use "is at its most basic" to describe something in its simplest or most essential form. For example, "A car "is at its most basic" a means of transportation".

What are some alternatives to "is at its most basic"?

Alternatives include "is fundamentally", "is essentially", or "is basically", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "is at its most basic" and "is fundamentally"?

"Is at its most basic" highlights the simplest form, while "is fundamentally" emphasizes the underlying nature or core aspect.

Is it redundant to say "is at its most basic level"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "level" can often be omitted from "is at its most basic level" without changing the meaning. Sticking to "is at its most basic" is often more concise.