is basic to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is basic to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is fundamental or essential to another concept or idea. Example: "Understanding the principles of mathematics is basic to solving complex problems in engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dissection is basic to all anatomical research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gender identification is basic to marriage.

The New York Times

This is basic to civilisation".

The Guardian

SOIL is basic to gardening.

The New York Times

Representation is basic to anthropology.

Cornell University

This is basic to municipal labor relations.

The New York Times

The choreography is basic, to say the least.

The New York Times - Arts

Time is basic to the particular illusion that cinema creates.

The New York Times

This law is basic to modern geometrical optics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Understanding door types is basic to designing access control.

Integrated Security Systems Design Concepts, Specifications, and Implementation

Access to cheap, clean water is basic to the nation's health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is basic to" when you want to emphasize the foundational or fundamental nature of something. For instance, "Understanding customer needs is basic to successful product development."

Common error

Avoid using "is basic to" when you simply mean something is simple or easy. Instead, reserve it for situations where something truly forms the underlying foundation or is essential for something else. Replace it with "is simple to understand" or "is easy to use" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is basic to" functions as a linking phrase, asserting that something is fundamental or essential to another concept. This grammatical function is well-supported by the provided examples, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is basic to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating that something is foundational or essential. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, highlighting its versatility. When writing, use "is basic to" to emphasize a fundamental relationship, but avoid mistaking it for mere simplicity. Alternatives like "is fundamental to" or "is essential to" can be used for a slight change in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fundamental to

This alternative emphasizes the foundational aspect, suggesting something is an essential base.

is essential to

This alternative highlights the necessity of something, implying it's indispensable.

is the foundation of

This alternative clearly states that something forms the base upon which something else is built.

is crucial to

This alternative underscores the critical importance of something for a particular outcome.

is vital to

This alternative stresses the importance of something for the survival or success of something else.

is integral to

This alternative suggests that something is an essential part of a whole.

is intrinsic to

This alternative suggests that something is an inherent and essential part of something else.

is key to

This alternative indicates that something is the main factor in achieving a result.

is at the heart of

This alternative emphasizes that something is the central and most important aspect.

underlies

This alternative directly expresses the idea of forming the foundation or basis.

FAQs

How can I use "is basic to" in a sentence?

Use "is basic to" to indicate that something is fundamental or essential. For example: "A strong understanding of grammar is basic to effective writing."

What can I say instead of "is basic to"?

You can use alternatives like "is fundamental to", "is essential to", or "is crucial to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is basic to" and "is important to"?

"Is basic to" implies something is a foundation or underlying principle. "Is important to" simply means something has significance or value. For example, integrity is basic to trust, while good communication is important to teamwork.

Which is correct, "is basic to" or "is basic for"?

"Is basic to" is the correct and more common usage when indicating something serves as a foundation or essential element. "Is basic for" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward. However, "basic for" can be acceptable in other constructs, like "This course is basic for beginners".