a base of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a base of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the foundation or underlying element of something. For example, "The success of the business was built on a base of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They need a base of operations.

The New Yorker

It has a base of fans.

The New York Times

And there is a base of experience.

The New York Times

abrasive powder/grain, on a base of oth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Classically sweet souffles have a base of pastry cream.

The New York Times - Food

We will make it a base of revolution.

The Guardian - Books

Her grandmother's house often served as a base of operations.

The New Yorker

They no longer have a base of common religious tradition.

The New York Times

That was a base of Serbs, Greeks and Italians.

The Guardian - Sport

The first uses a base of chia seeds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I set a base of colours to represent specific emotions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a base of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported or originated from the base. For example, "The project's success relied on a base of thorough research."

Common error

Avoid using "a base of" when referring to something that is merely an addition or complement, rather than a foundational element. Instead of saying "The sauce had a base of tomatoes and cream", consider "The sauce was made with tomatoes and cream" if tomatoes aren't the primary ingredient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a base of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate the foundational element, origin, or essential component of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

34%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a base of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate the foundational element or origin of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. It's important to ensure clarity and accuracy when using this phrase, avoiding its application when referring to mere additions rather than true foundational aspects. Alternatives like "a foundation for" or "a starting point for" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning intended. With its frequent use and clear grammatical standing, "a base of" remains a versatile and valuable phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundation for

This alternative emphasizes the supporting role, akin to building something upon a solid base.

a starting point for

Focuses on the initial stage or origin from which something develops.

the groundwork for

Highlights the preliminary work laid to enable further development.

a core element of

Indicates a central and essential component of something.

an underlying principle of

Stresses a fundamental concept or rule that supports something.

a fundamental aspect of

Highlights a key element that is essential and basic to something.

a source of

Implies the origin or cause from which something arises.

a support for

Emphasizes the act of providing assistance or stability.

a root of

Conveys the idea of an origin or fundamental cause from which something grows.

a point of origin for

Focuses on the place or moment where something begins.

FAQs

How can I use "a base of" in a sentence?

Use "a base of" to describe the foundational element upon which something is built or originates. For example, "The company's growth was built on "a base of strong customer relationships"".

What can I say instead of "a base of"?

You can use alternatives like "a foundation for", "a starting point for", or "the groundwork for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a base of" or "the base of"?

Both are correct, but their usage depends on the context. "A base of" is used when referring to a general base, while "the base of" refers to a specific base already identified or known. For example, "a base of knowledge is essential for success" versus "the base of the statue was made of marble".

What's the difference between "a base of" and "a basis for"?

"A base of" refers to the physical or conceptual foundation of something, whereas "a basis for" implies a justification or rationale. For example, "The recipe uses "a base of vegetable broth"", versus "The decision was made on "a basis for sound financial planning"".