at the baseline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the baseline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, statistics, or discussions about foundational levels or starting points. Example: "The player positioned herself at the baseline, ready to receive the serve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They just hang back at the baseline.

The New Yorker

John Isner stands at the baseline.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not holding myself back by staying at the baseline".

The New York Times - Sports

Stand at the net, or stand at the baseline.

The New Yorker

Agassi won Wimbledon in 1992 by staying at the baseline.

The New Yorker

At the baseline, the 12th-seed Berdych limbers up with half-speed forehands and backhands.

The Guardian - Sport

Nadal held serve at 5-5 but only after slipping at the baseline.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, after conferring with Herbert at the baseline, he skips to his position at the net.

The New Yorker

Game point produces... game for Robson as Li Na simply misses one at the baseline.

The Guardian - Sport

Before the Jazz inbounded the ball, Childs bumped Stockton at the baseline.

The New York Times - Sports

She stood at the baseline after points, glaring at he ball.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the baseline" in scientific or statistical contexts, ensure clarity by specifying what the baseline represents. For example, clarify if it's "at the baseline measurement" or "at the baseline intervention".

Common error

Avoid using "at the baseline" loosely without a clear reference point. Always ensure that the reader understands what the baseline refers to in your specific context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the baseline" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a specific point of reference or initial state. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the baseline" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, primarily found in scientific and news contexts. It serves to establish a reference point or initial state for comparison, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its register ranges from neutral to formal, ensuring clarity in its usage is crucial, especially in technical fields. Alternatives like "at the outset" and "initially" can be used depending on the context. The phrase's consistent application across authoritative sources supports its reliable usage in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the starting point

Focuses on the initial stage or position, emphasizing the act of beginning.

at the foundation level

Highlights the basic or fundamental aspect of a situation or concept.

at the initial stage

Emphasizes the early phase of a process or development.

at the preliminary stage

Refers to the introductory or preparatory phase.

at the reference point

Indicates a standard or benchmark for comparison.

from the ground up

Implies building or developing something from its most basic elements.

at the base level

Indicates the lowest or most fundamental level of something.

as a basic principle

Highlights a fundamental rule or concept.

at the ground floor

Implies starting from the very beginning or a low position.

at the root of

Indicates the fundamental cause or origin of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at the baseline" in a sentence?

You can use "at the baseline" to refer to an initial state or reference point, as in "We measured the patients' blood pressure "at the baseline" visit" or "The tennis player positioned themselves "at the baseline", ready to serve.

What are some alternatives to "at the baseline"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at the outset", "initially", or "as a starting point".

In research, what does "at the baseline" typically refer to?

In research, "at the baseline" usually refers to the initial assessment or measurement taken before any intervention or treatment is applied. It's the starting point for comparison to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Is it correct to say "at baseline" instead of "at the baseline"?

While "at baseline" is sometimes used, especially in technical contexts, "at the baseline" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. The inclusion of "the" provides a clearer reference to a specific baseline being discussed.