a very low base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very low base" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a starting point or initial level that is significantly lower than others in a comparative context. Example: "The company's profits were built on a very low base, making the growth percentage appear more impressive than it actually was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Growth from 1933 to 1936 averaged a booming 9 percent a year (rivaling modern-day China's), albeit from a very low base.

The New York Times

Housing construction is rising, but from a very low base.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are small gains from a very low base.

The Guardian

Manufacturing is picking up, from a very low base.

The Economist

"We are coming from a very low base," he tells me.

The Guardian

Markit economist Tim Moore stressed that this survey showed weak growth from a very low base.

The Guardian - Business

Boris, on the other hand, has seen his popularity grow, albeit from a very low base.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ten improved its share on 2013, albeit from a very low base.

The Guardian

That sounds dramatic, but it's an increase from a very low base.

The Guardian

That led to a 22% increase in switching, but from a very low base.

The Economist

But its economy is growing, if from a very low base.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a very low base", ensure you provide context about what is being measured and why the base is considered low. This helps avoid misinterpretations of growth or progress.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of improvements or growth that start from "a very low base". While progress is positive, it's essential to maintain perspective and acknowledge the initial limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very low base" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a noun, typically modifying another noun related to quantity, level, or starting point. It describes something starting from a significantly reduced level. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very low base" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to contextualize data by highlighting a humble starting point. It's prevalent in news, formal business documents, and scientific articles. The phrase is used to communicate that despite apparent growth or improvement, the initial level was quite small. As Ludwig AI analysis demonstrates, it is important to consider the initial limitations when interpreting progress from "a very low base". When writing, ensure you provide ample context and avoid exaggerating the significance of the positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal starting point

Emphasizes the smallness of the initial value or position.

a humble beginning

Highlights the unpretentious nature of the origin.

from scratch

Indicates starting without any prior advantage or resources.

a rudimentary foundation

Focuses on the basic and underdeveloped nature of the base.

nascent stage

Implies early development with potential for future growth.

small-scale beginnings

Highlights the modest scope of the initial phase.

limited initial state

Emphasizes the constrained nature of the starting condition.

starting from zero

Emphasizes the absence of any initial value or progress.

a weak initial position

Highlights the vulnerability and lack of strength at the beginning.

an underdeveloped platform

Focuses on the need for further development and improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "a very low base" in a sentence?

You can use "a very low base" to describe a starting point that is significantly smaller or less developed than expected. For example, "The company's revenue increased significantly, but this growth was from "a very low base"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very low base"?

Alternatives include "a minimal starting point", "a humble beginning", or "a rudimentary foundation". The best choice depends on the specific context you want to convey. Consider also "nascent stage".

Is it always negative to start from "a very low base"?

Not necessarily. Starting from "a very low base" can be neutral. It simply describes the initial situation. What matters is the progress made from that point forward. You might frame positively the growth as "starting from scratch".

What does it mean when someone says growth is "from a very low base"?

It means that while the growth rate might appear impressive, the actual increase is less significant when considered in light of the initial small value or quantity. Be sure is not a "weak initial position".