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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the basics of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'the basics of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the beginning or fundamental concepts of a topic. Example: I am learning the basics of calculus.
✓ Grammatically correct
Wiki
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"It goes beyond the basics of building.
News & Media
What are the basics of female sexuality?
News & Media
The basics of the app are straightforward.
News & Media
The basics of star formation are easy.
Science & Research
What are the basics of the plans?
News & Media
The Basics of Medicare.
News & Media
The basics of investing.
News & Media
Understand the basics of shifting.
Wiki
Master the basics of flipping.
Wiki
Understand the basics of torrents.
Wiki
Master the basics of sewing.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When teaching a new skill, start by explaining "the basics of" that skill before moving on to more complex techniques.
Common error
Avoid implying that "the basics of" a subject are easy just because they are fundamental. The foundations can still be challenging to master.
Source & Trust
73%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the basics of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating the fundamental or elementary aspects of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and correct construction in English.
Frequent in
Wiki
45%
News & Media
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the basics of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for referring to the fundamental aspects of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's frequently found in how-to guides and news articles, and while its register is generally neutral, the specific context determines the level of formality. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "the fundamentals of" or "the essentials of", and remember that mastering the basics doesn't necessarily mean they are easy.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the fundamentals of
Replaces 'basics' with 'fundamentals', emphasizing core concepts.
the essentials of
Substitutes 'basics' with 'essentials', highlighting key components.
the principles of
Uses 'principles' instead of 'basics', focusing on underlying rules.
the rudiments of
Replaces with 'rudiments', referring to elementary skills.
the core elements of
Focuses on 'core elements', essential components that are part of something.
the abc's of
Uses the idiomatic expression 'abc's' to indicate basic knowledge.
an introduction to
Indicates a preliminary overview, often of a subject or topic.
a primer on
Refers to an introductory textbook or guide on a particular subject.
the groundwork for
Emphasizes the foundational work needed for something more complex.
the key aspects of
Highlights the 'key aspects', emphasizing important considerations.
FAQs
How can I use "the basics of" in a sentence?
You can use "the basics of" to introduce fundamental concepts or skills, such as "I'm learning "the basics of coding"".
What's a good alternative to "the basics of"?
Alternatives include "the fundamentals of", "the essentials of", or "an introduction to", depending on the context.
Is it better to say "basics of" or "fundamentals of"?
Both "the basics of" and "the fundamentals of" are correct and largely interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "fundamentals" often implies a more rigorous or academic approach.
What are some common topics to learn "the basics of"?
Common topics include skills like cooking, coding, or playing a musical instrument, as well as subjects like math, science, or history. Always start with "the basics of math" before tackling advanced calculus.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
73%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested