a base of operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a base of operations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a central location from which activities are coordinated or conducted, often in a military, business, or organizational context. Example: "The team established a base of operations in the city to effectively manage the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They need a base of operations.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

He and Ann have generously let me make their house a base of operations ever since.

The New Yorker

The organization has long been looking for a base of operations.

The New York Times

"With contraband cellphones, prisons have become a base of operations for criminal enterprise," Pai said.

The Washington Post

Prince Devaraya captured Panagal fort and made it a base of operations in the region.

Britannica

Indeed, like other editors, he prefers New York as a base of operations.

The New York Times - Books

At one point, Moalin appeared to offer Shikhalow the use of his house in Mogadishu as a base of operations.

The New Yorker

The deal will give BGI a base of operations in the United States as well as its own sequencing technology.

The New York Times

In the 1960s the region assumed international strategic importance as a base of operations in the Laotian civil war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Destiny Church, which sat down the grassy hill from the bunker, became something of a base of operations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategic location for planned activities, use "a base of operations" to emphasize its central role in coordinating and executing those activities. For example, "The team established a base of operations near the construction site to manage logistics and personnel effectively".

Common error

Avoid using "a base of operations" when simply referring to an office or a place of residence. This phrase should only be applied when describing a location that serves as the center for planning, coordinating, and executing multiple activities. For instance, don't say, "My apartment is my base of operations" unless you actually coordinate significant ventures from there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a base of operations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It denotes a central location or facility from which activities are planned, coordinated, and executed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a base of operations" is a commonly used phrase to describe a central location from which activities are coordinated and executed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It functions as a noun phrase and is used to identify a strategic location in various contexts, from military actions to business ventures. While the phrase is versatile, it is essential to use it accurately, ensuring that the location genuinely serves as a hub for planning and executing multiple activities. Alternatives such as "headquarters" or "command center" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational hub

Directly relates to the coordination of operations; maintains a similar level of formality.

headquarters

Refers to the main office or center of control for an organization; this is a more direct synonym.

central command

More formal and authoritative, often used in military or organizational contexts.

command center

Suggests a more strategic and control-oriented center, often used in military or emergency response contexts.

central office

A general term for the main administrative location of an organization.

staging area

Implies a temporary location used to organize people or equipment before moving to a final destination or action.

launchpad

Emphasizes the starting point for new initiatives or ventures.

nerve center

Highlights the central hub where decisions and activities are coordinated.

home base

More informal, suggesting a place of return or origin.

point of origin

Focuses on the starting location from where activities commence.

FAQs

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

Use "a base of operations" to describe a location that serves as a central point for coordinating activities. For example, "The company established /s/a+regional+office as a base of operations for its expansion into the Asian market".

What's the difference between "a base of operations" and "headquarters"?

"A base of operations" typically refers to a location used for specific, often temporary, activities or projects, while "headquarters" is the main, permanent office of an organization.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "command center", "staging area", or "operational hub".

Is it correct to use "a base of operation" instead of "a base of operations"?

No, the correct phrase is "a base of operations" (plural). "Operation" in this context refers to coordinated activities, which are usually multiple, thus requiring the plural form.