at the base of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the base of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the bottom of something, typically when talking about physical objects, for example: "A river ran at the base of the hill".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It lies at the base of Mount Brasil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A plant at the base of the stairs could help.

The New York Times

Jangothang campground, at the base of Jumolhari, was impossibly picturesque.

The New York Times - Magazine

There were mushrooms growing at the base of the log.

The Guardian - Books

A cocktail at the base of the deafening waterfall.

The New York Times - Travel

Finally, look at the base of the tree for suckers.

The New York Times

The cars stopped at the base of a steep ascent.

The New York Times - Style

At the base of the ridge, we contemplated the summit.

The New York Times - Travel

And he lives here, at the base of Pikes Peak.

The New York Times - Sports

But not at the base of the Cheesegrater.

The Guardian - Arts

At the base of it is the farmer".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical locations, use "at the base of" to clearly indicate the lowest part of an object or structure. This provides a precise sense of location.

Common error

Avoid using "at the base of" when you mean "the basis of" something. The former refers to physical location, while the latter refers to the underlying principle or reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the base of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating location or foundation. It modifies a noun by specifying where something is situated in relation to the lowest part of something else. Ludwig confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the base of" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to indicate a physical location or foundational aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media. To ensure clarity, avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "on the basis of". By using this guide and the provided examples, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "at the base of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the foot of

Replaces "base" with "foot", emphasizing the lower part of something, especially a hill or mountain.

at the bottom of

Uses "bottom" instead of "base", focusing on the lowest point of something.

at the foundation of

Replaces "base" with "foundation", stressing the structural or conceptual support.

underlying

Implies a foundation or fundamental element, shifting from a physical location to a conceptual basis.

grounded in

Emphasizes the idea of being founded or established on something.

founded on

Similar to "grounded in", but highlights the act of establishing something on a base.

resting on

Focuses on the support or weight-bearing aspect of the base.

situated at the start of

Highlights the position at the beginning or origin of something, rather than strictly the bottom.

derived from

Indicates the source or origin, extending the idea of a base to a conceptual origin.

premised on

Stresses the underlying assumption or condition upon which something is based.

FAQs

What does "at the base of" mean?

The phrase "at the base of" typically refers to the lowest part or foundation of something, both physically and conceptually. For instance, "at the base of a mountain" refers to the area where the mountain meets the surrounding ground.

How can I use "at the base of" in a sentence?

You can use "at the base of" to describe the location of something relative to the bottom of another object or idea. Example: "The town is located at the base of the mountain."

What are some alternatives to "at the base of"?

Alternatives include "at the foot of", "at the bottom of", and "underlying" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "at the base of" and "on the basis of"?

"At the base of" refers to a physical location or foundation, while "on the basis of" refers to a reason or justification. For example, "The statue is at the base of the stairs," versus, "The decision was made on the basis of new evidence."