Basically...
B1
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Common
Meaning
A word used to give the simplest or most important point.
When to use it
Basically is neutral and common in conversation with friends, family and colleagues, especially when explaining a reaction or summing up a situation. It is less suitable when exact details are important, because it can make an explanation sound too simple.
Example Sentence
Basically, we need more time.
Grammar & structure
Basically, + clause; or subject + basically + verb. With be: subject + be + basically + description.
✓ Correct
Basically, I loved the film, but it was too long.
We basically need a bigger table.
The new app is basically the same as the old one.
✗ Incorrect
I'm basically agree with you.
That's a basically problem.
Basically is an adverb, not an adjective. At the start of a sentence, it often introduces a simple summary; the tone is neutral and conversational.
How to reply
Similar expressions
The main thing is...
This points directly to the most important part, rather than giving a general summary.
In short...
This also introduces a brief summary, but it sounds a little more formal.
To put it simply...
This focuses on making an explanation easy to understand.
Common mistakes
✗ I basically am agree with you.
✓ I basically agree with you.
Agree is a verb, so it does not need am before it.
✗ We need a basically plan.
✓ Basically, we need a plan.
Basically cannot describe the noun plan directly. Here, it introduces the main point of the sentence.
Dialogue
Two friends are outside a cinema after watching a film.
Maya
Well, what did you think?
Ben
Basically, it looked amazing, but the story was boring.
Maya
Yeah, I nearly fell asleep in the middle.
Ben
The ending was exciting, though.
Maya
True. Would you watch it again?
Ben
Probably not. Once was enough.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Basically, the hotel was nice, but our room was really noisy.
B: ___
2. A: So you liked the new café, apart from the high prices?
B: ___
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