{"id":22180,"date":"2023-02-09T07:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T07:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/?p=22180"},"modified":"2023-03-25T10:13:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-25T10:13:30","slug":"comma-after-basically-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguaholic.com\/linguablog\/comma-after-basically-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Comma after “basically” \u2014 All You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Commas play an essential role in written language. It plays a crucial role in helping to clarify the meaning and structure of sentences. <\/span><\/p>\n

One question that often arises when writing is whether or not a comma is needed after the word “basically.” <\/span><\/p>\n

As we explore more about the wonders of punctuation, we will try to eliminate questions from your mind so that you will enjoy the English language more.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, let’s go!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h2>\n

When do we need a comma after “basically”?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A comma is necessary after “basically” when it starts a sentence, is used for emphasis mid-sentence, is used before a direct address, and is used in a compound sentence. However, no comma is needed when “basically” acts as a regular adverb modifying a nearby verb, adjective, or another adverb.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/h2>\n

Right ways of using a comma after “basically”<\/b><\/h2>\n

The word “basically” is used to summarize or simplify a concept or idea. It acts as an adverb in all sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

On one hand, it is used to mean “essentially” or “fundamentally,” which emphasizes essential points of a situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, it signals the idea that a speaker is about to provide a simple or general explanation of a concept.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“She basically just wants to relax.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

At other times, “basically” may also be simply used to introduce an opinion or a point that you want to clarify to your reader or listener.<\/span><\/p>\n

When used this way, it signals the idea that you want to be heard or considered, whatever message you want to impart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Example:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basically, all I want is a peaceful life.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The use of commas as a <\/span>punctuation mark<\/b><\/a> in sentences with the word “basically” changes the meaning, emphasis, and readability.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the next subsections, you’ll find out how these cases play out in the real world.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

Comma after “basically” at the beginning of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

When “basically” starts a sentence off, a comma is usually required to separate it from the rest of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

This helps to clarify the meaning of the sentence, thereby making it easier to read. This case is consistent among all introductory expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that “basically” modifies the whole sentence and, thus, it can be called a “sentence adverb.”<\/span><\/p>\n

This is done to express the writer’s attitude toward the statement or idea that he or she likes to impart to the reader.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other introductory expressions like “during this time” and “by the way” also work the same way as “basically” in terms of comma usage.<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>comma after “during this time”<\/b><\/a> is necessary to separate it from the main clause, which also makes the time reference more apparent to the reader. <\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, using a <\/span>comma after “by the way”<\/b><\/a> also tips the reader off that what’s coming is another idea – maybe something unrelated to the current topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Notwithstanding the different meanings and purposes that “basically,” “during this time,” and “by the way” suggest, the post-comma placement<\/a> remains the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a look at the following examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basically, I’m not even sure what to do.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Basically, the goal of this project is to reduce waste.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Basically, we need to decide on an action plan before we proceed.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Basically, the company’s policy is to prioritize customer satisfaction.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Basically, the idea is to create a more sustainable future for our planet.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

As you can see, the comma separates the introductory word “basically” from the rest of the sentence in all of the samples above.<\/span><\/p>\n

It does not only help in help in clarifying the intended meaning and structure but also makes reading a lot more convenient than without the comma.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

Comma after “basically” in the middle of a sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

In the middle of a sentence, a comma after “basically” can be used to suggest more emphasis to the reader.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be used to emphasize the main point of the sentence as well as stylistically (not grammatically) separate it from the rest of the sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Separating it “stylistically” means that it is only added to enrich the meaning of the sentence – not to make it grammatically complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

We might as well call it a parenthetical interruption for distinction purposes, which can be removed without hurting the remaining parts’ grammaticality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Just think of it, basically, as a fun way to stay healthy.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Just so know, basically, you don’t have to throw a fit just to get what you want.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Well, basically, there are a lot of ways to skin a cat.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“That means, basically, it’s not the end of the world for you.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“You can use this device, basically, to make your day-to-day life easier.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

In each of these sentences, the comma helps to set the word “basically” apart, meanwhile making the reader pay more attention to the succeeding idea while reading.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to also use a comma before “basically” in all of the above-mentioned sentences because, again, it is a removable and not an essential sentence element.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

Comma after “basically” before a direct address<\/b><\/h3>\n

Commas also have to be used with direct addresses or names. This is to make sure that the reader understands the direct referencing.<\/span><\/p>\n

When “basically” appears before a name used as a direct address, a succeeding comma should be used too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basically, Jane, you don’t need to worry about that.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Well, basically, sweetheart, everything will be okay.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“Sorry for saying this, but, basically, Ma’am, what you did was rude.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Terms of endearment and name titles are also used as direct addresses, hence commas should also be used around them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Comma after “basically” in a compound sentence<\/b><\/h3>\n

A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses. These clauses are linked with a coordinating conjunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Commas are required before the conjunction that holds the two clauses together. So, a comma should also come after “basically” when it appears before the conjunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

In case you forgot what coordinating conjunctions are and how to punctuate them, <\/span>comma usage with FANBOYS<\/b><\/a> is always necessary when they link two clauses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that in the next few examples, the commas after “basically” are added for two reasons: one, because it is an interruption, and two, because it is used in a compound sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“There’s no way we could finish this by then, basically, but we have to try.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“You’re not the only one having a hard time, basically, and you’re not even trying.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“She can just come with me, basically, or she can ride a bus going there.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

So, you may also want to know <\/span>all the comma rules in a compact<\/b><\/a> format to have a more general understanding of how this punctuation mark really works.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not using a comma after “basically”<\/b><\/h2>\n

If there are several cases where we should take note of using a comma after “basically,” there is only one thing to remember about when we should leave it out.<\/span><\/p>\n

This happens when “basically” acts as a regular adverb that modifies other adverbs, verbs, and adjectives in sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

No comma after “basically” as a regular adverb<\/b><\/h3>\n

When used as a regular adverb rather than a sentence adverb or an interruptive expression, no comma should come after “basically.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basically” can modify nearby adjectives. This circumstance calls for not using a comma after it, as in the next sentences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“The idea was basically sound, but it needed some tweaking.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“That pumpkin recipe is basically the same as the original.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“The argument was basically invalid.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

It can also modify other adverbs, particularly those that are considered intensifiers and mitigators as well as adverbs of place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, no comma should be used in the following cases:<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

(mitigator adverb) “Stella’s brother basically just babysits his girlfriend all day.”<\/span>
\n 
\n(place adverb) “Everything you need is basically here.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Last but not least, there’s no need for a comma when “basically” is used to modify verbs in a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples:<\/span><\/p>\n

“You basically need to have a vacation.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“She basically declined my suggestion.”<\/span>
\n 
\n“He basically confirmed the rumor.”<\/span><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the many confusions about adverbs is their placement within sentences. Whether or not <\/span>an adverb should go before or after a verb<\/b><\/a> is another interesting topic to discuss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Long story short, and if we don’t consider exceptions, adverbs of frequency normally go before verbs, while adverbs of manner go after verbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frequently Asked Questions on “Comma After ‘Basically’”<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/h3>\n

What does “basically” mean”<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Basically” is an adverb that means “essentially” or “fundamentally.” It can be used to either introduce an opinion or simplify a complex idea. These days, in casual language use, “basically” is considered an overused word like “apparently” and “very.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Do we need a comma before “basically” at the end of a sentence?<\/b><\/h3>\n

When “basically” modifies the whole sentence and is not used as a regular adverb at the end of the sentence, a comma should come before it. The idea is the same as we would use a comma after it when used as an introductory word at the beginning of a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

What are some synonyms for “basically”?<\/b><\/h3>\n

“Essentially,” “fundamentally,” “at the heart of,” “to simplify,” “in simple terms,” and “above all” are close synonyms to “basically.” These words are used to simplify ideas as well as introduce opinions.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n

In conclusion, the use of a comma after “basically” can affect the meaning of a sentence and its readability.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is why we should pay enough attention, if not a lot, when we convert our ideas into written form.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hope you enjoyed today’s topic, and please watch out for more interesting ones soon!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Commas are tricky, and that’s a fact. Combine them with <\/span>syntax<\/b><\/a> and overall English grammar, and you’ll get the nastiest headache ever.<\/span><\/p>\n