is basically about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is basically about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to summarize the main idea or theme of a topic, concept, or piece of writing in a straightforward manner. Example: "The book is basically about the struggles of a young artist trying to find their place in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you think about it, is this not what life is basically about?

The Guardian - Opinion

Doctor Zhivago is basically about sexual infatuation.

The Guardian - Books

"The New World Symphony is basically about America," he continued.

The New Yorker

Pop Art is basically about two things: ordinariness and eating.

The New York Times - Arts

"'LazyTown' is basically about motivation," said Mr. Scheving.

The New York Times

My work is basically about stories and what happens when they are told and retold.

The New Yorker

By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept is basically about sexual infatuation.

The Guardian - Books

BDR is basically about loyalty, and how as a species we want it to be rewarded.

The Guardian - Film

It is basically about myriad forms of delight: sensual beauty, intellectual stimulation, spiritual discovery.

The New York Times - Arts

This bill is basically about adoptions happening in England and Wales.

The Guardian

"CCS is basically about catching a problem and stuffing it away under the carpet," Rasmusson said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is basically about" to provide a concise summary of a complex topic, making it easier for your audience to grasp the main idea quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "is basically about" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "concerns itself with" or "primarily addresses" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is basically about" functions as a predicative expression, offering a simplified summary or explanation of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is basically about" is a common and generally acceptable way to summarize or simplify a topic, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicative expression, providing a concise explanation. While its register is mostly neutral leaning toward informal, it is widely used in news, media, and science contexts. However, it should be used judiciously in formal academic writing, where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives include "is essentially about" or "is primarily about", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is essentially about

Replaces "basically" with "essentially", indicating a focus on the fundamental nature of the subject.

is fundamentally about

Emphasizes the foundational or core aspects of the topic.

is primarily about

Highlights the main or most important aspect.

is mainly about

Similar to "primarily about", stressing the principal focus.

is largely about

Indicates that a significant portion of the topic revolves around something.

is chiefly about

Stresses the most important or dominant aspect.

is predominantly about

Emphasizes the most common or noticeable element.

is generally about

Suggests the overall or common theme.

concerns itself with

Indicates the subject matter that something deals with.

revolves around

Highlights that something central or key is the main point.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is basically about"?

You can use alternatives like "is essentially about", "is primarily about", or "is fundamentally about" depending on the context.

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

You can use "is basically about" to summarize the central theme or purpose of something. For example, "The movie is basically about the journey of self-discovery."

When is it appropriate to use "is basically about"?

It is appropriate to use "is basically about" when you want to provide a simplified explanation or summary. It is suitable for informal and neutral contexts but should be used sparingly in formal writing.

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

"Is basically about" offers a general summary, while "is essentially about" focuses on the core, irreducible elements of a topic. The latter implies a deeper dive into the fundamentals.