Basically

The word "basically," when used to begin a sentence, is basically a useless word. And yet, one hears it all of the time. "Well George, basically, we are going to have hot dogs, hamburgers and potato salad for our picnic." "Basically, we want to build a shopping center." "Basically, we want to go to the ball game." If you eliminate basically from the beginning of any sentence, there is no loss. "We want to go to the ball game." In fact, the sentence is stronger.

The word is intended to be used to describe something at its basic or most simple level, something that at its foundation or base, and something at its core. "I am basically a happy hippie." "He is basically a weak-willed old fart." "A farmer, is basically a man outstanding in his field."

The problem begins when basically becomes a verbal tic, like "you know" or "uh". "Basically, we want you stick your head in a pile of manure." "Basically, we think you are ugly. You want a second opinion? Basically, your personality sucks, too." "Basically, you will never make anything of yourself. Basically, you will make poor marriage choices, and basically, you will wake up one day, a failure."

It is obvious that the statement, "You basically suck to the core of your being." sounds much better than the wimpy "Basically, you suck."

That is basically all I have to say about that.