- NEW!
by Silverlight on October 5th, 2009
Basically, it shows the summary and inference of a better suggestion or points out what you could read instead of rreading a better selection, plus it holds an overview of what is important in the sentence that you should really know. If you don't like it you could use a word like "Mainly" which is one of the only replacements. Basically, it repeats and summarizes important information of a long explanation or chapter.
by MetalRain on November 20th, 2008
Well basically, I believe it's a force of habit!
by Bohemian is back on October 5th, 2009
Basically is like fundamentally. It merely introduces the basic facts rather than a detailed account.
by anonymous on December 3rd, 2008
Like, at least it isn't, like as annoying as "like". like, do you get what I mean?
I get what you mean though. Like, basically.
by swheaty on December 3rd, 2008
Honestly, I think literally, its used for lack of a better word indeed!
by Sid on November 20th, 2008
Literally is another one that is needlessly used. I hear people saying things like "I literally walked down the street, walked into a shop and literally bought a pair of shoes." No need.
by katydid15 on November 20th, 2008
I use that term to indicate that I am simplifying a more complex concept. For example, I could say, a computer is basically like a filing cabinet.
by tater tot on November 20th, 2008
well basically, it gets the basic point across, basically. right?
no, i understand your point, and there are A LOT of other pointless words in the English language other than basically... it kind of bothers me when people tack them on to a sentence when they are unneeded
by Michael_M8105 on January 30th, 2012
It's as common as saying "you know, you know".It is Irratating to hear over and over!
Why not say, "Fundamentaly".
by jpnieves on August 6th, 2010
it goes right along with those who say "you know" and "Like" in my opinion these are all speech ticks that were allowed as a child and never corrected....
If only we took the time to listen.....
by jpnieves on August 6th, 2010
it goes right along with those who say "you know" and "Like" in my opinion these are all speech ticks that were allowed as a child and never corrected....
If only we took the time to listen.....
by Michael_M8105 on August 29th, 2010
The answer to this question is a matter of ignorance of the english language. I have never used this word in a sentence in my entire life and i am 57 years old. I was taught
correct English while attending High School and received good marks. I also hear people say, "You know what i mean," over and over.Next time i will answer them saying, " No, i don't know.: I don't hear these words coming from a highly educated individual.People need to brush up on the english language. I did.
by Michael_M8105 on October 3rd, 2010
people that say the word "basicially" never mastered the correct English language. It is like when one says "you know what i mean" over and over.I personally have Never used that word in my entire life.It is a meaningless metaphor.
by patthethird on May 19th, 2011
How about "you know what i mean?"
by patthethird on May 19th, 2011
I literally never write a sentence with the word basically init. nowaamsayin?
by riff on March 3rd, 2010
people insist on using the word "basically" because they insist on having the same short hair and the same brand of jeans.
"init" and "nowaamsayin" are two other PATHETIC ADDITIONS to a normal conversation
it just show the lack of eloquence and individuality in the new-age robotic plastic society - basically
Why do helium balloons sink?
by Answerbag Staff on March 19th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
When is a dash used in a sentence?
by Answerbag Staff on June 4th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
If the world was "your audience" what would you say in one sentence? Why?
by Bornabrit on July 23rd, 2011
| 6 people like this
Every sentence applies some kind of belief to whom is being spoken to. The only exceptions are questions, but not always. True or False? Why?
by Mr.Wolf aka Nicholas_1007 is back! =D on July 31st, 2011
| 1 person likes this
What does this mean? "Much different to be the woman then the man". I saw it in a comment on an answer to another of my questions.
by Andy B has left AB on August 27th, 2011
| 2 people like this
You're reading Why do people insist on using the word basically in a sentence? I can not think of a way that it would be used to make a sentence any better.
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
Very good explanation.
by MasterS on October 5th, 2009
And by that I mean, it makes it easier to find a summary in a long paragraph, often used at the end of a sentence. It is helpful in law and debate, when you need to scan sentences. Following "basically", if used correctly, is what the paragraph just said but in a neater form meeting main points. Basically I say again, it enforces definition or summary. And yes, I am enforcing a misused interpretation using it twice in my provided answer, only to mess with you. Rarely, should it be used, but "basically" is important in the English dictionary. The only problem is that the majority of people use it incorrectly or do not understand its purpose thus defeating its use. Must this simple lesson be taught to many so we may not misjudge this word. And in over-explaining my answer, I'm trying to make sure you understand my view. I hope you can interpret it!
by Silverlight on October 5th, 2009
As i said very very good explanation, i agree 100%.
by MasterS on October 6th, 2009
I hadn't noticed you had said anything before I posted it, so I wasn't arguing or being annoying or anything.
by Silverlight on October 6th, 2009
I hear this word "Basicially" CONSTANTLY everywhere i go. It is used by people on tv and in society everyday. I actually HATE this word because it makes people sound ignorant. "Well, i basicially shot the guy, but in reality he really did shoot the guy and he is dead..If he basicially shot the guy then the guy may be still alive. By the way, i scored high in English grammar in school.People, get your vernaculars correct, "you know what i mean." HA!
by Michael_M8105 on October 7th, 2010