it is not basically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not basically" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not fundamentally or essentially true or applicable. Example: "While the project seems simple, it is not basically easy to execute without proper planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is not basically a good idea," he said.

The New York Times

Given the sensitivity of contrast ultrasound, it is not basically inferior to other imaging techniques for quantifying perfusion, although it is challenging technically as well as theoretically.

Cancer Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Given this, stigmatizing maintenance or telling patients that it is "not really recovery," is basically killing people.

Huffington Post

That may sound like a bit of a backhanded compliment, but it isn't: Illuminate does basically everything right.

The Guardian - Music

If your website isn't good (and you know if it isn't), you are basically sabotaging your own business.

Huffington Post

It's not why basically all of our own ancestors came to the United States.

Huffington Post

In my two decades of covering the NFL, it isn't just rare; it's basically unheard of for a player to not make the league after playing well in the preseason.

Huffington Post

I wasn't, basically, coping.

The Guardian

There wasn't basically a discussion".

Independent

It's not looking good, basically.

Vice

It's not that they're basically, you know, in agreement, and they're basically good--no, no.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not basically", ensure it is followed by an adjective or a phrase that describes a quality or state. For instance, "it is not basically simple" or "it is not basically an issue of cost".

Common error

Avoid using "it is not basically" as a mere filler phrase. Ensure it adds substantive meaning by clarifying what something is fundamentally not, rather than just vaguely negating a statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not basically" functions as a negating qualifier. It modifies a statement by indicating that something does not possess a certain characteristic at its fundamental or core level. Ludwig's examples show it qualifies statements in news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not basically" serves to negate a fundamental quality or characteristic. Ludwig identifies its grammatical status as correct and notes its usage in contexts like News & Media and Science. While alternatives such as "it is not essentially" or "it is not fundamentally" exist, the core function remains consistent: to clarify what something is not at its most basic level. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not fundamentally

Replaces "basically" with "fundamentally", emphasizing the lack of a foundational quality.

it is not essentially

Substitutes "basically" with "essentially", highlighting that something isn't crucial to its nature.

it is not inherently

Replaces "basically" with "inherently", indicating the absence of an intrinsic quality.

it is not intrinsically

Similar to "inherently", this emphasizes that the characteristic is not part of the thing's core nature.

it is not at its core

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey that something lacks a basic or central quality.

it is not in essence

Emphasizes the absence of a quality in the fundamental nature of something.

it is not by nature

Indicates that a particular attribute is not typical or expected.

it does not primarily consist of

Shifts the focus to composition, suggesting a lack of a key element.

it is not at the base level

Highlights the absence of a quality at the most fundamental level.

it is not at its root

Emphasizes that a characteristic is not a fundamental or underlying aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is not basically" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can replace "it is not basically" with phrases like "it is not fundamentally" or "it is not essentially". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is there a subtle difference between "it is not basically" and "it is not really"?

Yes, "it is not basically" suggests that something lacks a fundamental quality, while "it is not really" implies that something is not entirely true or genuine. The former focuses on the essence, while the latter focuses on the degree of truth or authenticity.

When is it appropriate to use "it is not basically" in writing?

"It is not basically" is best used when you want to emphasize that something does not have a particular quality at its core or fundamental level. It's useful for clarifying misconceptions or correcting assumptions about the fundamental nature of something.

What are some common words to use instead of 'basically' in "it is not basically"?

Alternatives to "basically" in this context include "essentially", "fundamentally", "inherently", or "intrinsically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.