relatively basic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively basic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not overly complex or difficult, but still requires some understanding or knowledge. Example: "The first year course covers relatively basic concepts in biology, such as cell structure and genetics." In this sentence, the phrase "relatively basic" is used to convey that while the concepts being discussed are not extremely difficult, they still require some prior knowledge or understanding in order to be grasped. This phrase can also be used in other contexts, such as describing a task, skill, or level of difficulty in a certain subject.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relatively basic official site.

The Guardian

Left-leaning daily, with a relatively basic website.

The Guardian

The site will include relatively basic facts like doctors' education, hospital affiliations and professional awards.

The New York Times

A lot of the narrative is carried by dialogue and relatively basic description.

The Guardian - Books

The needs of the health workers in Africa are great, but they're also relatively basic.

The New Yorker

The professors contend that the relatively basic subject matter changes little.

The New York Times

SM So I think the way forward is to try to start from relatively basic principles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We first cover relatively basic material but with an eye towards observational limitations and uncertainties.

Harvard University

Many of the tasks that are used in psychophysics investigations involve relatively basic perceptual mechanisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Educational Testing Service administers the Praxis exam, the teacher test considered relatively basic and used by many states.

The New York Times

The first release was relatively basic, Connor says, but he believed that the idea had room to grow.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the complexity of a system or process, use "relatively basic" to indicate it's simpler than alternatives, but not necessarily simplistic.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively basic" when the subject is actually very simple. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure there is a more complex alternative to which it's being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively basic" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a level of simplicity or fundamentality that is being compared to something else. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase describes something that is not overly complex.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively basic" is a common and useful way to describe something as simple in comparison to something else, as noted by Ludwig. Appearing frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparative aspect is clear. Consider alternatives such as "fairly simple" or "quite elementary" to avoid overstating the simplicity. With a high expert rating and support from authoritative sources, "relatively basic" is an effective and well-supported phrase to use in many writing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly simple

Replaces "relatively basic" with a more direct synonym for simple, emphasizing ease and lack of complication.

comparatively simple

Highlights simplicity through comparison, indicating it's simpler than something else.

quite elementary

Uses "elementary" to suggest a fundamental or foundational level of simplicity.

moderately uncomplicated

Employs "uncomplicated" to highlight the absence of complexity, modified by "moderately" to soften the degree of simplicity.

not particularly complex

Expresses the idea by negating complexity, suggesting a lack of intricate details.

somewhat rudimentary

Substitutes with "rudimentary", indicating a basic or undeveloped stage.

reasonably straightforward

Uses "straightforward" to emphasize the ease of understanding or execution.

generally uncomplicated

Focuses on the overall lack of complication, indicating a general ease.

rather fundamental

Highlights the foundational aspect, suggesting that something is a core element.

largely unrefined

Uses "unrefined" to point out the lack of sophistication or polish.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively basic" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively basic" to describe something that is simple in comparison to something else. For example, "The software's user interface is "relatively basic", but it gets the job done."

What's a good substitute for "relatively basic"?

Alternatives to "relatively basic" include "fairly simple", "quite elementary", or "moderately uncomplicated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "relatively basic"?

While both words suggest simplicity, "relatively" adds the element of comparison. Therefore, "relatively basic" isn't necessarily redundant, but consider whether the comparison is important in your context.

Can "relatively basic" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively basic" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when comparing the simplicity of one thing to the potential complexity of another. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable.