a reliable base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reliable base" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a dependable foundation or starting point for something, such as a project, argument, or system. Example: "To ensure the success of our project, we need to establish a reliable base of research and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Tajikistan was no longer a reliable base for their operations.

The New Yorker

Before most of his colleagues, Helms brought droves of evangelical Christians into the electoral process to create a reliable "base".

The New York Times - Books

With a rapidly changing situation, flexibility has very much been on the Starfish Foundation's side and made them a reliable base for new arrivals on Molyvos harbour.

The Guardian

The evidence certainly suggests that it has always been difficult to find a reliable base of support for habeas corpus in America; it's a vulnerable right, especially during emergencies and when a charismatic leader is involved.

The New Yorker

Alexandre, who says that he now regrets his vote for the centrist François Bayrou in the last Presidential election, cannot, as a rule, count on a reliable base of supporters, which may be why Le Fooding constantly needs to whip up new bases at its events.

The New Yorker

Ahmadinejad has a reliable base that could comprise as much as thirty per cent of the country, as well as all the advantages of incumbency, including access to state television; his conservative challenger, Mohsen Rezai, had amassed little momentum; and, at least until Mousavi's late surge, there was a real contest between Mousavi and Karroubi for the hearts of the uncommitted.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The caregiver provides a secure, reliable base from which the child can explore the world.

Huffington Post

The main idea of the introduced method is to use a hierarchical approach to predict an interaction by predicting reliable base pairs within a ncRNA and a mRNA (or another ncRNA), which is followed by prediction of reliable base pairs in the combined sequence.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

The forecasted oil price for 2015 [13] gives a relevant and reliable base for this assumption.

European Transport Research Review

The analyses showed that the maximum settlement at the heap base would be only 4 5 cm so the waste dump provides a safe and reliable base for the heap construction.

Minerals Engineering

These colonies thus depend upon a large and reliable base of insect prey to maintain their considerable population sizes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reliable base", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being based upon this reliable foundation. Be specific about the elements that contribute to its reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "a reliable base" without providing concrete evidence or examples of its reliability. Claims of reliability should be supported by verifiable facts or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reliable base" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As per Ludwig, it denotes a dependable foundation or source upon which something else is built or depends. For example, "The research provides a reliable base for future studies."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reliable base" is a phrase used to describe a dependable foundation or starting point, applicable across various contexts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed in both formal and informal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources, indicating its relevance in contexts requiring assured stability. While synonyms like "a solid foundation" or "a dependable platform" can be used, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the specific nuance each phrase conveys. When using "a reliable base", ensure you can substantiate its reliability with evidence or data to avoid overstating its dependability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

Replaces "base" with "foundation" and "reliable" with "solid", emphasizing the strength and stability of the base.

a dependable platform

Substitutes "base" with "platform", suggesting a stable and trustworthy foundation for development or action, and "reliable" with "dependable"

a sound basis

Uses "basis" instead of "base" and "sound" instead of "reliable", highlighting the rationality and stability of the foundation.

a consistent bedrock

Substitutes "base" with "bedrock" and "reliable" with "consistent", stressing the unchanging and dependable nature of the base.

a trustworthy source

Replaces "base" with "source", focusing on the reliability of information or support rather than a physical base.

a firm underpinning

Replaces "base" with "underpinning", highlighting the support and foundational role of the reliable element, and "reliable" with "firm".

a sustainable substructure

Replaces "base" with "substructure", emphasizing its role as an underlying support, and replaces "reliable" with "sustainable" which is useful when describing long-term viability.

a secure foothold

Emphasizes the safety and stability aspects of the base, useful in contexts where security is paramount.

a credible origin

Highlights the trustworthiness of the starting point or source, replacing "base" with "origin" and "reliable" with "credible".

a valid justification

Focuses on the base as a justification or rationale, rather than a physical or structural foundation, and "reliable" is replaced with "valid".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a reliable base" in a sentence?

Use "a reliable base" to describe a dependable foundation or starting point. For example, "The study provides a reliable base for future research" or "The data offers a reliable base for informed decision-making".

What are some alternatives to "a reliable base"?

You can use alternatives like "a solid foundation", "a dependable platform", or "a trustworthy source" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a reliable base" instead of "a strong base"?

"A reliable base" emphasizes dependability and consistency, whereas "a strong base" focuses on robustness and power. Use "a reliable base" when consistency is key, and "a strong base" when the capability to withstand pressure is more important.

What makes "a reliable base" different from "a credible origin"?

"A reliable base" suggests a consistent and dependable foundation for ongoing activities or development, whereas "a credible origin" emphasizes the trustworthiness of the starting point or source. The former is about sustained dependability, while the latter is about the believability of the initial source.