How Do We Use the Word "Basically"?

Examples: 1. He basically feels that his father is too controlling. 2. She is basically a nice person to spend time with. 3. Basically, it comes down to the fact that we need an extra person in the office around lunchtime. 4. I am basically just trying to help you. 5. I basically just want you to do a better job cleaning up after yourself.

Explanation: We primarily use "basically" when we want to (a) talk about something that is usually or generally true, (b) simplify an explanation to one reason or factor, even though there many be many reasons or factors involved in a complete answer, or (c) to be softer and more gentle in how we say something.

1. "He basically feels that his father is too controlling" means that he generally feels that his father is too controlling, even though his father isn't always controlling. 2. "She is basically a nice person. . ." is a simplified description of a person. 3. "Basically, it comes down to the fact . . ." means that there is one most important reason for wanting to do something. 4. "I am basically just trying to help you" means that there is one primary thing that I'm trying to do. 5. "I basically just want you to do a better job. . ." is a little softer way to say, "I want you to do a better job."