at the very base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very base" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or foundational level of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "At the very base of our argument lies the principle of fairness and equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Even when you look at the whole idea of faith-based terrorism, at the very base level it has very little to do with faith," he told The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

This is at the very base.

Yale University

But at the very base of innovation and entrepreneurship is risk.

Harvard Business Review

What made the eyes striking was that they were at the very base of the back.

The New Yorker

There is an almost anti-epicurean tradition at the very base of America.

The New York Times

At the very base of the stem, the foliage is shriveled, a foreshadowing of the plant's eventual fate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Fancy automated welding techniques, intended to speed up the job and save money, were an expensive failure for Koch Erecting, as they often failed to work on the huge steel legs at the very bases of the towers.

The New York Times - Magazine

But progressive organizers worry that the DCCC, if it continues to blast away at its online activists, risks torching the very base progressives rely on.

Huffington Post

Also, since positive hits from genomic predictors or high scoring segments produced by BLAST usually do not start at the very same base, overlapping hits or hits that start within an area of 40 bps were considered as representing the same gene.

BMC Genomics

It is at the very least based on a non-sequitur.

The Economist

Giving by the richest Americans has fallen in recent years, with the biggest declines at the very top, based on deductions Americans take on their tax returns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the very base", ensure it clearly indicates the fundamental or foundational aspect you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing context that clarifies what is being grounded or supported.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very base" in contexts where a simpler word like "essentially" or "fundamentally" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly complex or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very base" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or clause to indicate the fundamental or foundational aspect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the very base" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fundamental or foundational aspect of something. Ludwig AI validates its usability in writing. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly conveys the underlying principle and avoid overuse in abstract contexts where simpler alternatives like "fundamentally" or "essentially" may be more appropriate. Remember to differentiate its meaning from similar phrases like "at the root", which refers more specifically to origins or causes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the foundation

Focuses on the structural support or underlying principles.

at the core

Emphasizes the innermost or most essential part.

at the root

Highlights the origin or cause of something.

fundamentally

Expresses the idea in an adverbial form, focusing on the essential nature.

at the bottom

Indicates the lowest level or starting point, often literally.

in essence

Captures the distilled or most important aspect.

primarily

Points to the main or most important element.

in its infancy

Describes the beginning stages of development.

at its heart

Similar to "at the core", but with a slightly more emotional or intrinsic feel.

in principle

Refers to the basic doctrine or assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very base" to indicate the fundamental level or starting point of something. For example, "At the very base of our legal system is the principle of equality."

What can I say instead of "at the very base"?

You can use alternatives like "at the foundation", "at the core", or "fundamentally" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the very base" or "at the base"?

"At the very base" emphasizes the fundamental nature more strongly than simply "at the base". The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the foundational importance.

What is the difference between "at the very base" and "at the root"?

"At the very base" typically refers to a foundational level, while "at the root" usually refers to the origin or cause. They are similar but not interchangeable.