at its base

USAGE SUMMARY

"at its base" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a concept on a fundamental level; for example, "At its base, democracy is about giving equal rights and voice to all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At its base it measures about 227 by 162 feet (69 by 49 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, at its base, it was about gender.

Huffington Post

At its base level, it's kind of a relay system.

TechCrunch

The tail may have a constriction at its base to allow it to be easily detached.

Wikipedia

It should be straight and tapered at its base.

WikiHow

Yet at its base was something different.

The Economist

Kuthodaw Pagoda at its base.

Columbia University

A sandy beach begins at its base.

The New York Times - Travel

At its base is the fortress of São João.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Four small cones at its base are similarly accoutered.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Amici for Haywood argue that the New York law is, at its base, unfair.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its base" to introduce the most fundamental or essential aspect of a concept, argument, or structure. This helps to clarify the core idea before delving into complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "at its base" when a simpler phrasing would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Consider whether the phrase truly adds value or if it can be replaced with a more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its base" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It indicates the fundamental or essential element of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to refer to a concept on a fundamental level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

19%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its base" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the most fundamental or essential aspect of a concept, argument, or structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. Its frequency indicates its common usage, and while it's suitable for both formal and informal settings, overuse should be avoided to maintain clarity and conciseness. Related phrases like ""at its core"" or ""fundamentally"" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its core

Emphasizes the central or most important part.

at its heart

Emphasizes the central and vital element.

at its foundation

Highlights the underlying structure or principles.

essentially

Focuses on the fundamental nature or quality.

in essence

Captures the intrinsic nature or quality.

at the root of

Indicates the origin or cause of something.

fundamentally

Focuses on the core or essential aspect.

in its simplest form

Highlights the basic and uncomplicated version.

basically

Indicates the simplest or most essential form.

primarily

Highlights the main or most important aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "at its base" in a sentence?

You can use "at its base" to describe the fundamental nature of something. For example, "At its base, the legal system aims to ensure fairness and justice for all citizens."

What phrases are similar to "at its base"?

Similar phrases include "at its core", "fundamentally", or "essentially", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "at its base" or "at its foundation"?

Both phrases are correct, but "at its base" often refers to the essential nature or core principle, while "at its foundation" emphasizes the underlying structure or supporting elements. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "at its base" and "basically"?

"At its base" is used to highlight the most fundamental or essential aspect of something, while "basically" is more general and indicates the simplest form or explanation. The former is more emphatic and analytical.