Cool MateBasically vs You know here's the thing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Basically
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adverb
You know here's the thing
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BasicallyMost common: Basically
| Basically | You know here's the thing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈbeɪsɪkli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈbeɪsɪkli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊ nəʊ hɪəz ðə θɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ju noʊ hɪrz ðə θɪŋ// |
| Meaning | In simple terms | A way to introduce an important point in a conversation. |
| Example | I think we are **basically saying** the same thing. | You know here's the thing, we really need to consider the budget. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | basically true, basically the same, basically speaking, basically means, it's basically | you know here's the thing about, you know here's the thing when, you know here's the thing and, you know here's the thing with |
| Antonyms | essentially, fundamentally | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'basically' at the beginning of a sentence without clear context., Confusing with 'practically' in meaning., Using too frequently in formal writing. | Using in formal contexts like business meetings., Omitting it in arguments; it helps to clarify main points., Misplacing it within a sentence; it should start a thought. |
| Usage notes | Use 'basically' when you want to explain something in a simpler way. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English but can sound informal in very formal contexts. | Used in casual conversations to highlight a main idea. Not suitable for formal writing or speeches. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Basically vs You know here's the thing
What's the difference between Basically and You know here's the thing?
Basically: In simple terms You know here's the thing: A way to introduce an important point in a conversation.
Which is more formal: Basically and You know here's the thing?
Basically is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Basically and You know here's the thing?
Basically is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Basically: I think we are **basically saying** the same thing. You know here's the thing: You know here's the thing, we really need to consider the budget.
Can I use Basically and You know here's the thing interchangeably?
Not always. Basically and You know here's the thing are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.