which is basically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is basically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to simplify or clarify a statement by summarizing the main idea in a straightforward manner. Example: "The project is focused on renewable energy, which is basically about using natural resources to generate power sustainably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The average size of an English woman was 5 feet, which is basically me.

Yale University

Which is basically right.

The New Yorker

Which is basically true.

The Guardian

Which is basically nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is basically what Harvey Weinstein had".

The New Yorker

Which is basically every one of y'all.

The Washington Post

Which is basically every race and colour on Earth.

Independent

Which is basically late Stanislavsky rather than early Stanislavsky.

The Guardian - Film

Pomegranate molasses, which is basically sugar, is very cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apart from wine, Georgians drink chacha, which is basically grappa.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which is basically the most perfect answer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is basically" to simplify complex concepts for your audience, but ensure your simplification doesn't sacrifice accuracy or introduce ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "which is basically" as a substitute for detailed explanations when precision is crucial. If the subject matter requires nuance, provide additional context instead of relying on a potentially misleading simplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is basically" functions as a qualifier, offering a simplified explanation or approximation of a concept or statement. As noted by Ludwig AI, it serves to clarify by reducing complexity. Examples in the search results demonstrate its use in various contexts to make information more accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is basically" is a versatile qualifier used to simplify and clarify information across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage. While it is widely accepted and very common, particularly in news, media, and academic settings, writers should exercise caution in formal or scientific contexts where precision is key. Alternatives such as "essentially" or "fundamentally" may be more appropriate in those situations. The key is to ensure that simplification enhances understanding without sacrificing accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which essentially means

Emphasizes the core meaning or implication, highlighting the essential aspect.

which in effect is

Highlights the actual outcome or consequence, focusing on the practical result.

that is fundamentally

Underlines the basic or foundational nature of something, stressing its core characteristics.

that's effectively

Indicates a practical equivalence or result, emphasizing how something works in practice.

which amounts to

Suggests an overall sum or consequence, focusing on the total effect or result.

which boils down to

Reduces a complex issue to its simplest form, highlighting the essential point.

in simpler terms

Offers a more accessible explanation, focusing on making something easier to understand.

to put it simply

Provides a straightforward explanation, emphasizing clarity and conciseness.

in other words

Restates something in a different way, often to clarify or elaborate.

what it really means is

Clarifies the implicit meaning, emphasizing the underlying message or implication.

FAQs

How can I use "which is basically" in a sentence?

Use "which is basically" to provide a simplified explanation or summary of something. For example, "Quantum physics, "which is basically" the study of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level, can be difficult to understand".

What are some alternatives to using "which is basically"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially", "in effect", or "fundamentally" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "which is basically" in formal writing?

While "which is basically" is widely understood, it's often considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "in essence" or "essentially" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "which is basically" and "which is essentially"?

"Which is basically" suggests a simplification or approximation, while "which is essentially" implies capturing the core or fundamental nature of something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize simplification or the essential aspect.