a steady base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady base" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a stable foundation or support for something, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "To build a successful business, it is essential to have a steady base of loyal customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Morgan Stanley is trying to chart a new course as a deposit-taking institution in hopes of finding new sources of earnings, as well as a steady base of financing.

The New York Times

The point of a console is that it pulls together a range of otherwise ambitious or unobtainable technologies into a steady base to release games on for five or so years.

The Guardian - Tech

While a steady base of 20,000 subscribers "keeps the engines running," Mr. Brown said (the magazine's circulation is not independently audited), he acknowledges, and others at Soldier of Fortune confirm, his newsstand sales have plummeted the last 10 years to around 40,000 in a good month, far from its high of 150,000 during the cold war.

The New York Times

In addition to multiple appearances at the Miller Theater at Columbia University, which has provided a steady base, the group's ambitious itinerary is dotted with free or inexpensive shows at offbeat spaces like Mo Pitkin's House of Satisfaction, a Lower East Side nightclub.

The New York Times - Arts

A steady base of 20,000 subscribers "keeps the engines running," says Robert K. Brown, its editor, but newsstand sales have plummeted over the last 10 years to about 40,000 in a good month, far from its high of 150,000 during the cold war.

The New York Times

The Kahahakuri Stream gains 100% of its flow from the groundwater, and shows a steady base flow in the lower reach (Hawke's Bay Regional Council 2003).

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So he made his own version based on the online recipe, called it Joylent, vlogged about it, and started building a steady customer base.

Vice

So he made his own version based on the online recipe, called it Joylent, vlogged about it and started building a steady customer base.

Vice

Original businesses thus survived demolition, and a steady customer base has allowed them to thrive.

The New York Times - Travel

Though attendance at concerts is small in comparison to the west, the scene has slowly built a steady fan base.

The Guardian

Regulations mean that insurance companies need a steady capital base; they cannot afford to own that many equities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a steady base" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being supported or stabilized. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady base" when referring to something that requires flexibility or dynamism. The phrase implies stability and can be inappropriate if the situation calls for adaptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady base" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a stable and reliable foundation or support. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as financial stability and customer retention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady base" is a noun phrase that denotes a reliable and consistent foundation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it conveys stability, ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding contexts that require flexibility. Alternatives such as "a stable foundation" or "a solid groundwork" can be used to provide similar meanings. Remember to focus on providing clarity in your writing by clearly defining what the base supports. Avoiding this can enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stable foundation

Focuses on the characteristic of stability, implying a firm starting point.

a solid groundwork

Highlights the preparatory aspect, suggesting a firm base for future development.

a firm footing

Emphasizes security and balance, often used in a metaphorical sense.

a reliable support system

Shifts the focus to the supportive function, highlighting dependability.

a secure platform

Implies safety and stability, often used in technological or strategic contexts.

a consistent bedrock

Highlights the unwavering and fundamental nature of the base.

a dependable substructure

Focuses on the supporting structure and its reliability.

a resilient foundation

Stresses the ability to recover and maintain stability under pressure.

an unshakeable base

Emphasizes the strength and immovability of the base.

a constant source

Shifts the perspective to the provision of continuous resources or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady base" to describe a stable foundation, like "The company needed "a steady base of customers" to thrive" or "The project required "a steady base of funding" to succeed.

What are some alternatives to "a steady base"?

Alternatives include "a stable foundation", "a solid groundwork", or "a firm footing", depending on the specific context.

Is "a steady base" the same as "a solid base"?

While similar, "a steady base" emphasizes consistent support, while "a solid base" focuses on the strength and reliability of the foundation. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight consistency or robustness.

When is it inappropriate to use "a steady base"?

It's best to avoid "a steady base" when referring to situations that require flexibility or change. A situation needing constant adaptation might be better described using a different phrase that does not imply unwavering stability.