we basically know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we basically know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a general understanding or awareness of a topic, often implying that the knowledge is not exhaustive but sufficient for the context. Example: "After reviewing the data, we basically know that the project will meet its deadlines, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We basically know we are worth it, and live as if we are, every single day.

Independent

Therefore, we basically know everything and we can in principle solve the governing equation to predict new materials before experiment.

Computational Materials Science

Over the noise of our own animal functions, we basically know the score.

The New Yorker

Anyway, where Noah goes too far is in asserting that this kind of thing means that we basically know nothing.

The New York Times

It simply acknowledges, right up front, something we basically know: that all art is, for better and for worse, trying to sell us something -- pleasure, ideology, salvation, whatever.

The New York Times - Arts

And perhaps best of all, in a sign of things to come from the master, it is a whodunnit throughout which we basically know who did it, but not why.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"We had been working on this for so long and we basically knew what we were going to say.

The Guardian

"We basically knew what they were going to do, but they did a great job of executing.

The New York Times

"When we went up by two touchdowns, we basically knew it was over," St . Louisdefensive lineman Ray Agnew, a former Giant, said.

The New York Times - Sports

As we took office, you know, it was an all-star team of economists and we basically knew what to do panic … I mean, it's been a long, long time since things were this bad.

MIT Technology Review

We basically knew everything there was to know in the lead up to today's event, Pixel 3 and otherwise.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we basically know" to indicate a shared, general understanding among a group. It's best used when further elaboration isn't necessary or when summarizing a widely accepted concept. Always make sure you have a general audience, never a specialized one because it might cause inaccurate use.

Common error

Avoid using "we basically know" when expressing a novel or controversial idea. This phrase implies a consensus that may not exist, undermining your credibility. Always evaluate if the knowledge expressed using "we basically know" is actually shared by a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we basically know" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a shared understanding or a common knowledge base. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to convey a level of certainty or awareness without delving into specifics, thus creating a sense of shared ground between the speaker and the audience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we basically know" is a phrase used to denote a general understanding or shared awareness of a topic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, mainly news and media, academia, or formal business communications. While it is not exceedingly common, "we basically know" effectively establishes common ground, streamlines communication, and avoids delving into excessive details. When using the phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and avoid overstating certainty. In order to avoid such overstatements you can make use of alternatives as "we generally understand" or "we essentially know".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we generally understand

Replaces "basically know" with a more formal synonym for understanding.

we have a fundamental understanding

Emphasizes the core or basic nature of the understanding.

we are generally aware

Focuses on awareness rather than in-depth knowledge.

we more or less know

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or approximation.

our understanding is primarily

Highlights the primary aspect of our knowledge on certain area.

we have a working knowledge

Highlights understanding in a practical setting.

we're reasonably sure

Shifts from knowledge to a level of confidence.

we have a rudimentary grasp

Indicates a basic or initial understanding.

we have a general idea

Conveys a vague or non-specific understanding.

we surmised

Expresses an inference made with limited evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "we basically know" in a sentence?

You can use "we basically know" to express a general understanding or awareness of something. For example, "After the presentation, "we basically know" what the next steps are".

What are some alternatives to "we basically know"?

Alternatives include "we generally understand", "we are generally aware", or "we have a general idea", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we basically know"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a shared understanding without going into extensive detail. Avoid using it when introducing new or complex information.

Is "we basically know" formal or informal?

"We basically know" leans towards the informal side. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "we generally understand" or "it is generally understood".