something as basic as

USAGE SUMMARY

"something as basic as" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to compare two ideas or things, both of which have a generally accepted and/or acceptably low level of importance. For example, "Something as basic as good grammar can have a huge impact on how people perceive your writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take something as basic as access to the daily news.

The New York Times

Take something as basic as obtaining photo identification.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even something as basic as Settings no longer just works.

The Guardian - Tech

Even something as basic as the audition is unfamiliar terrain.

The New York Times

That's the case even with something as basic as what's meant by well-being.

The New York Times - Books

You'd think we know something as basic as this, that you need an actor.

The New York Times

Nor is something as basic as achieving the proper lighting in someone's kitchen.

The New York Times

Entrusting something as basic as housing to the market has not worked.

The Guardian

It could be something as basic as throwing the ball downfield more.

The New York Times - Sports

That could be something as basic as saying when a flight leaves.

The Guardian - Film

When you have something as basic as getting to work or travelling, that's very bad".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something as basic as" to underscore the often-overlooked importance of simple or fundamental elements. It's effective when you want to emphasize that even the most straightforward things can have significant consequences or implications.

Common error

Avoid using "something as basic as" when the item you're describing is already widely recognized as fundamental. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can make your writing sound condescending or redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something as basic as" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing that even fundamental elements can have significant implications or are sometimes overlooked. It is often used to underscore the importance of seemingly simple things, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "something as basic as" is a versatile and widely used expression that serves to highlight the importance of fundamental elements. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, remember to underscore the significance of simple things and avoid overstating the obvious. Alternatives like "something as fundamental as" or "something as elementary as" can be used for variety, but always ensure they fit the specific context. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "something as basic as" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something as fundamental as

Emphasizes the foundational nature more strongly.

something as elementary as

Focuses on the initial or uncomplicated aspect.

something as rudimentary as

Highlights the undeveloped or primitive state.

something as essential as

Stresses the necessity and importance.

even something as simple as

Specifically points out the lack of complexity.

something as commonplace as

Indicates the ordinary and widespread nature.

something as straightforward as

Highlights the easiness and lack of complications.

something as minimal as

Stresses the small amount or degree involved.

something as natural as

Focuses on the inherent or instinctive quality.

something as obvious as

Highlights the ease of understanding or perception.

FAQs

How do I use "something as basic as" in a sentence?

Use "something as basic as" to highlight the importance of a fundamental element, often one that is overlooked. For example, "Something as basic as regular exercise can significantly improve your overall health."

What can I say instead of "something as basic as"?

You can use alternatives like "something as fundamental as", "something as elementary as", or "something as essential as" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "something as basic as" in formal writing?

Yes, "something as basic as" is suitable for formal writing. It is used across various reputable sources, including news media and academic texts. Just ensure the context warrants emphasizing the fundamental nature of the subject.

What's the difference between "something as basic as" and "something as simple as"?

While similar, "something as basic as" emphasizes the fundamental or essential nature, whereas "something as simple as" highlights the lack of complexity. Use "even something as simple as" when you want to point out the ease or lack of complication of something.