stick to the basics

USAGE SUMMARY

"stick to the basics" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the fundamental principles behind something or to emphasize that you should focus on the fundamentals. For example: "If you want to succeed in this field, it's important to stick to the basics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So let's stick to the basics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You've got to stick to the basics," he said.

The New York Times

But stick to the basics: install simple fixtures and tile in white or off-white.

The New York Times

But Maharam says field medicine at a big city marathon should stick to the basics.

The New York Times - Sports

So he might do well to stick to the basics for a while.

The New York Times

South Africa is "playing good cricket, and we have to stick to the basics," Dilshan said.

The New York Times - Sports

But, to save everyone a lot of time, I'll stick to the basics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We, the stodgy and aging, will stick to the basics: coffee, eggs, and frosting-free breads.

The New Yorker

But the funny thing is, British designers are often best when they stick to the basics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He adroitly marshalled his men, who had only to stick to the basics to prevail.

The Guardian - Sport

It is of course about a lot more than that, but let's stick to the basics for now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "stick to the basics" to encourage simplicity and avoid overcomplicating things, especially for beginners or in stressful situations.

Common error

Avoid pairing "stick to the basics" with overly complex explanations or instructions. The phrase itself advocates for simplicity, so ensure your subsequent points are equally straightforward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to the basics" functions as an imperative, offering direct advice to prioritize fundamental aspects or methods. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from sports to cooking, to promote simplicity and effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

8%

Social Media

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick to the basics" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to advise focusing on fundamental aspects, promoting simplicity and effectiveness across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its widespread usage in news, wiki, and business settings. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both casual and professional advice. Related phrases include "concentrate on fundamentals" and "focus on essentials". When using this phrase, ensure that subsequent explanations remain straightforward to avoid contradicting the principle of simplicity. This phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on fundamentals

Emphasizes focusing on the core aspects of something, similar to "stick to the basics".

focus on essentials

Highlights the importance of prioritizing key elements.

keep it simple

Suggests avoiding unnecessary complexity, mirroring the simplicity implied in "stick to the basics".

maintain a basic approach

Implies continuing with a straightforward method, similar to keeping things simple.

adhere to core principles

Stresses the importance of following foundational guidelines.

employ a no-frills strategy

Indicates a plain, uncomplicated approach, avoiding unnecessary embellishments.

follow the established procedure

Suggests adhering to a known and proven method, focusing on what works.

prioritize foundational elements

Highlights the importance of essential components, ensuring they are given focus.

return to the fundamentals

Implies going back to basics after a period of complexity.

keep things uncomplicated

Focuses on avoiding complexity and ensuring the process remains basic.

FAQs

How can I use "stick to the basics" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to the basics" to advise someone to focus on the fundamental aspects of a task or skill, like "When learning to code, "stick to the basics" before trying advanced techniques".

What does it mean to "stick to the basics"?

To ""stick to the basics"" means to concentrate on the most important and fundamental aspects of something, avoiding unnecessary complexity or embellishment.

Are there situations where I shouldn't "stick to the basics"?

Yes, if you're an expert in a field or situation requires advanced techniques, "sticking to the basics" might be too limiting. It's best suited for beginners or when simplifying a complex task.

What are some alternatives to saying "stick to the basics"?

Alternatives include "focus on essentials", "concentrate on fundamentals", or "keep it simple" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.