to give a basic idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to give a basic idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide a simple or general understanding of a concept or topic. Example: "The following diagram is designed to give a basic idea of how the system operates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is sufficient to give a basic idea about the FOHPN principle and function.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

The aim of this chapter is to give a basic idea about accessible average error and standard deviation of the measured distances for the entire UWB band and for the first band group and also for the empty and occupied car.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To give exact locations would take too long, so I will just give a basic idea.

WikiHow

However, in this section, we give a basic idea.

Security Informatics

The data on YGP, though of a different strain, give a basic idea of the H2S-producing enzyme expression in a naïve uninjured animal.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

However, the data give a basic idea of the dimensions of the burden in Germany where no cost data existed until now.

BMC Infectious Diseases

While I will talk about these notions and their occurrence in Maimonides and in his Islamic philosophical context, and while I will try to give a basic sense of how these ideas work, any attempt to fully explain these Plotinian metaphysical ideas falls outside the scope of the current entry.

SEP

Once you've broken that initial ice, it's a good idea to give a basic introduction.

WikiHow

I asked for a breakdown, but a little napkin math gives a basic idea of the volume.

TechCrunch

It had been recapitalised in 2012 and so, in its last round, in November 2017, it was valued at around $110 million post-money, according to PitchBook, to give you a basic idea of a possible pricing ballpark.

TechCrunch

So as a workaround we can do this: As you can see we are making two API calls in quick succession, which is not fool-proof, but this sample application is to give you a basic idea on how to integrate this with existing data.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to give a basic idea", ensure that the subsequent explanation is indeed simple and easy to understand, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complexity. Tailor the explanation to your audience's existing knowledge level.

Common error

Avoid reducing complex topics to the point of inaccuracy when attempting "to give a basic idea". Ensure the simplified explanation, while accessible, remains factually sound and representative of the core concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give a basic idea" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a simplified explanation. It's commonly used to signal that the information presented will be fundamental and easy to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to give a basic idea" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce simplified explanations. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting its role as an introductory phrase for conveying fundamental concepts. While versatile across different registers, it's particularly common in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subsequent explanation remains accessible and avoids unnecessary complexity. Remember that oversimplification should also be avoided to maintain accuracy and informativeness. Alternative phrasing includes "to provide a general overview" or "to outline the basics".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give an introduction

Focuses on starting someone's understanding of a topic.

to outline the basics

Focuses on the essential elements of a topic.

to provide a general overview

Focuses on providing a broad perspective rather than a basic understanding.

to offer a simple explanation

Emphasizes clarity and ease of comprehension.

to convey a simple concept

Underscores the ease with which the idea is communicated.

to present a fundamental concept

Highlights the core principles involved.

to sketch the framework

Implies creating a structural outline rather than a detailed explanation.

to illustrate the principle

Emphasizes showing how a core rule works.

to explain the rudiments

Highlights the elementary aspects of a subject.

to present the groundwork

Focuses on establishing the preliminary foundations.

FAQs

How can I use "to give a basic idea" in a sentence?

You can use "to give a basic idea" to introduce a simplified explanation of a concept. For example, "This guide aims to "to give a basic idea" of quantum physics without complex equations."

What's a good alternative to "to give a basic idea"?

Alternatives include "to provide a general overview", "to offer a simple explanation", or "to outline the basics" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to give a basic idea" in formal writing?

While acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "to present a fundamental concept" or "to explain the rudiments" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

How does "to give a basic idea" differ from "to provide a comprehensive analysis"?

"To give a basic idea" implies a simplified explanation, whereas "to provide a comprehensive analysis" suggests an in-depth and thorough examination of a subject.