it basically takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it basically takes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey a simplified explanation of the effort or resources required for a task or process. Example: "To complete the project, it basically takes a team of five people working for two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

About that 10-year tax cut: It basically takes place in two phases.

The New York Times

I know some people found "Amour" too slow-paced or claustrophobic — like many elderly couples' lives, it basically takes place in four rooms — or too grim.

The New York Times

It basically takes pretty much what they have at the national level, which I think everybody knows by now is a failure".

The New York Times

The chemistry is complicated, but it basically takes the carbon and hydrogen from the feedstock and reassembles them into the complex chains that make up fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Princeton University

"It basically takes your face and turns it into raw data, then runs your face and matches it through the database of all these different people," Mr. Benjamin said.

The New York Times

It basically takes unedited video footage and automatically – as in, without the help of actual people – turns it into short movies that are more fit for sharing with others.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The flight attendant started asking for help, and it basically took four males to subdue him and get the flexible handcuffs on him," Rodriguez said.

The Economist

It basically took 10 or 15 years of very slow, bar-by-bar selling, just building it from the grassroots, from the street, by word-of-mouth.

The Washington Post

Andy got stitched up from a really young age, and the backlash from that was ridiculous, and it basically took him to, you know, cry after the final at Wimbledon for people to kind of like forgive him.

The Guardian - Sport

It basically took about 30 days to get 100,000 fans.

TechCrunch

It basically took J. Crew to a different level in my mind.

Fashion and Textiles

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it basically takes", ensure the context is appropriate for a slightly informal tone. While widely accepted, it might not suit highly formal or technical writing without further clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "it basically takes" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. While acceptable in many contexts, opting for more precise language, such as "it essentially requires" or "it primarily involves", can enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it basically takes" serves as a simplifying descriptor, often used to provide a general understanding of the requirements or steps involved in a process. Ludwig showcases examples where the phrase is used to summarize complex ideas in an accessible manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it basically takes" functions as a versatile phrase for simplifying explanations, primarily found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's essential to consider the audience and context, opting for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives like "it essentially requires" can offer a more professional tone while maintaining clarity. The phrase serves to quickly convey the fundamental requirements of a process or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it essentially requires

Replaces "basically" with "essentially", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it mainly involves

Shifts the focus to the key elements involved rather than the overall effort.

it primarily needs

Emphasizes the necessity of specific resources or actions.

it fundamentally demands

Highlights the core, non-negotiable aspects.

it chiefly entails

A more formal alternative emphasizing the key components.

it boils down to

Reduces the concept to its most basic elements.

at its heart, it requires

Focuses on the core need or requirement.

in essence, it involves

Similar to 'essentially requires' but with a slightly more explanatory tone.

it's fundamentally about

Changes the structure to emphasize the subject matter.

the gist of it involves

Focuses on the general understanding of what is needed or what happens.

FAQs

How can I use "it basically takes" in a sentence?

Use "it basically takes" to simplify the explanation of a process or requirement, like "To complete the project, "it basically takes" a team of five people working for two weeks".

What can I say instead of "it basically takes"?

You can use alternatives such as "it essentially requires", "it mainly involves", or "it primarily needs", depending on the context.

Is "it basically takes" appropriate for formal writing?

While "it basically takes" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "it essentially requires" or "it fundamentally demands".

What's the difference between "it basically takes" and "it essentially requires"?

"It basically takes" offers a simplified explanation, while "it essentially requires" provides a slightly more formal and precise description of what is needed. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.