very basic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very basic" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might say, "This class covers very basic concepts of math."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Educational

Technical

Medical

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very basic.

The Guardian

It's very basic.

The New York Times

Very, very basic stuff.

The New York Times

(Make that very basic.

The New York Times - Tech

They're all very basic.

The Guardian - Tech

'It's very basic.

The Guardian

"Very basic questions.

The Guardian - Film

It's very basic care.

The Guardian

A very basic question!

Harvard Business Review

They're very basic concepts.

Yale University

The plans are very basic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill level, use "very basic" to set clear expectations about the level of knowledge or proficiency involved. For example, "My knowledge of coding is very basic"

Common error

Avoid using "very basic" when describing something complex, even if you're only covering introductory material. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very basic" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe nouns. It emphasizes the simplicity or fundamental nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show its usage in describing skills, concepts, and items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very basic" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase that indicates simplicity or fundamentality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources, and it serves to set expectations about the level of complexity or knowledge involved. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately to avoid misrepresenting the complexity of a subject. Alternatives like "extremely simple" or "utterly rudimentary" can be used to emphasize the simplicity to a greater degree. Remember to use "very basic" to set realistic expectations and manage potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely simple

Emphasizes the lack of complexity to a greater degree.

Fundamentally straightforward

Focuses on the core, uncomplicated nature.

Utterly rudimentary

Highlights the elementary and initial stage.

Remarkably uncomplicated

Points out the notable absence of complexity.

Strikingly primary

Emphasizes the basic or initial nature of something in a notable way.

Bare essentials

Refers to the most necessary elements only, implying a lack of extras.

Core principles

Focuses on the foundational concepts.

Elementary aspects

Highlights the introductory or beginning stages.

Basic elements

Refers to the foundational components.

Extremely easy

Focuses on the lack of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "very basic" to describe fundamental concepts, simple skills, or rudimentary items. For example: "This tutorial covers the very basic principles of algebra."

What can I say instead of "very basic"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely simple", "utterly rudimentary", or "core principles" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "very basic" or "too basic"?

Both "very basic" and "too basic" are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Very basic" describes something as simple, while "too basic" suggests it is excessively simple or insufficient for a particular need.

What's the difference between "very basic" and "fundamentally straightforward"?

"Very basic" indicates simplicity in terms of elements or complexity, while "fundamentally straightforward" suggests that something is easy to understand and execute due to its core nature.