most basic sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"most basic sense" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
Example: Understanding the principles of math in its most basic sense is the foundation for future understandings.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That might still be true in the most basic sense.

The Washington Post

He did this in the most basic sense, by attracting greater talent to the game.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Migration, in its most basic sense, is a response to a changing climate," Dr. Farnsworth said.

The New York Times - Science

Air hockey is, in the most basic sense, a delightful amalgamation of billiards and ice hockey.

The New Yorker

This is an athlete who has in the most basic sense outgrown his own sport.

The Guardian - Sport

Our response to this crisis needs to be, in the most basic sense, a reality check".

The Guardian

How could it grasp the human condition in its most basic sense?

MIT Technology Review

It was, in the most basic sense, proper and welcome for the President to acknowledge such crimes.

The New Yorker

And I think that in the most basic sense we have to account for our lives once they are done.

The New Yorker

As Kofi Annan, the former U.N. secretary general, put it: "State sovereignty, in its most basic sense, is being redefined".

The New York Times

She was political in the most basic sense, recognising the manifestations of power in its many forms.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most basic sense" when you want to emphasize a fundamental understanding or definition of a concept to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "most basic sense" excessively in detailed explanations, as it can oversimplify complex topics and might be perceived as patronizing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most basic sense" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the perspective or level of understanding being applied. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most basic sense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to clarify a concept by focusing on its most fundamental understanding. Ludwig confirms its broad applicability across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While it's important to avoid overuse in overly complex explanations, its proper usage helps ensure clarity and establishes common ground. Consider alternatives like "fundamental essence" or "core understanding" for nuanced expression. As Ludwig AI indicated, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental essence

Replaces "sense" with "essence", emphasizing the inherent nature.

core understanding

Substitutes "basic sense" with "core understanding", focusing on comprehension.

essential meaning

Emphasizes the significance of the underlying meaning.

primary definition

Focuses on the initial and main definition of a concept.

simplest form

Highlights the uncomplicated or elementary version of something.

elementary understanding

Underscores a rudimentary level of comprehension.

foundational concept

Highlights the fundamental or basis of something.

bare essentials

Focuses on the minimum requirements or elements.

underlying principle

Emphasizes the fundamental rule or concept.

heart of the matter

Highlights the central point or most important aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "most basic sense" in a sentence?

You can use "most basic sense" to refer to the fundamental understanding of a concept. For example, "In its "most basic sense", democracy means rule by the people".

What is an alternative to saying "most basic sense"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fundamental essence", "core understanding", or "essential meaning" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "most basic sense"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a fundamental understanding or definition, especially when introducing a concept or simplifying a complex idea.

Is there a difference between "most basic sense" and "simplest terms"?

While both aim for clarity, "most basic sense" refers to the fundamental understanding of something, whereas "simplest terms" focuses on expressing something in an easy-to-understand manner. They are similar but not interchangeable.