is basically

USAGE SUMMARY

"is basically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something simply and quickly. For example: "This type of cake is basically just a vanilla sponge with a chocolate topping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is basically true.

The New York Times

He is basically broke.

The New York Times

Which is basically right.

The New Yorker

Jamaica is basically Brooklyn.

The New Yorker

Treatment is basically symptomatic.

Columbia University

The border is basically open".

The New York Times

Repression is basically a confession.

The New Yorker

Jason: "Forty is basically 50.

The New York Times - Magazine

Epping is basically in Essex.

Independent

This is basically a joke.

The New York Times

He is basically well-intentioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is basically" to simplify complex ideas for easier understanding. It's effective for conveying the gist of a concept without getting bogged down in details.

Common error

Avoid using "is basically" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone and avoid oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is basically" functions as a qualifier or adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that something is true in a general or simplified sense. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is commonly used to explain something simply and quickly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is basically" serves as a versatile tool for simplifying complex ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for explaining something quickly. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where clear and concise communication is valued. While acceptable for general use, it's important to remember its limitations in formal writing, where precision is key. Alternatives such as "is essentially" or "is fundamentally" may provide a more nuanced and professional tone in such settings. As Ludwig showcases, understanding the context is critical for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is essentially

Replaces "basically" with a synonym that also indicates fundamental nature, but may imply a slightly more formal tone.

is fundamentally

Substitutes "basically" with a word stressing core elements, which can add a layer of precision.

is virtually

Implies almost complete equivalence, moving slightly away from the core meaning of "basically".

is practically

Suggests that something is true in effect, if not strictly in fact, shifting the focus to practical outcomes.

is more or less

Adds a degree of uncertainty, acknowledging minor variations from the statement's accuracy.

is in effect

Highlights the actual result or consequence, rather than the underlying essence.

is effectively

Focuses on the practical outcome or result of something, rather than its inherent nature.

amounts to

Indicates that something is equivalent to something else, often used to summarize a situation.

is akin to

Suggests a similarity or resemblance, which can be more descriptive but less direct than "is basically".

is roughly

Implies an approximation or lack of precision, suitable when exactness is not required.

FAQs

How can I use "is basically" in a sentence?

"Is basically" is used to simplify or summarize a concept. For example, "This recipe "is basically" a simplified version of the original".

What phrases can I use instead of "is basically"?

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

When is it inappropriate to use "is basically"?

Using "is basically" may be inappropriate in formal writing or situations where precision is crucial. In those contexts, consider more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "is basically" and "is essentially"?

While both phrases express simplification, "is essentially" might suggest a more inherent or core quality, whereas "is basically" offers a more general simplification. For example, using "is essentially" emphasizes a thing's core identity.