base impulses

USAGE SUMMARY

"base impulses" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to animalistic drives that influence decisions and behavior, such as impulses that are driven by greed or self-interest. For example, "His base impulses led him to take unfair advantage of his opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

In that sudden moment, our base impulses emerge.

The New York Times

Social media reveals to us base impulses, ugly and aggressive.

The Guardian - Opinion

For others, Tyson's sadness and base impulses may not warrant such acclaim, but Saward makes his case with great eloquence.

The Guardian - Sport

This approach just excuses people from acting stupidly, giving in to base impulses and doing away with basic human dignity.

The Guardian - Sport

But this production makes it clear that basic (and base) impulses can assume intricate forms of evasion and obfuscation, especially as recalled in hindsight.

The New York Times

A study of the relationship between Darwin's theories of evolution and Victorian literature suggests that stories serve an evolutionary function, encouraging individuals to work together and resist base impulses.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

(I suspect that my own base impulse to breeze through a museum fashion show with an imaginary shopping cart isn't unique).

The New Yorker

Sex, the antidote you grasp for in youth, is less engaging when you are cloistered in a driver's room in the middle of nowhere; and politics, the other base impulse, is a bit of a nightmare these days.

The New Yorker

Hunger is, along with the need to shit and sleep, a base impulse.

Vice

So if some sort of base impulse isn't at play, what does shape our different reactions?

Huffington Post

I like to create things with words and occasionally reclaimed wood, but I understand the base impulse of creating something to be more efficient.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the regulation or control of these impulses, pair "base impulses" with verbs like 'curb', 'control', 'resist', or 'overcome'.

Common error

Avoid confusing "base impulses", which refers to fundamental human drives, with "baseless assumptions", which refers to claims lacking evidence. Using one in place of the other will significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base impulses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes the fundamental and often negative drives that influence human behavior. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "base impulses" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe fundamental, often negative, human motivations. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is acceptable and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "baseless assumptions". Consider alternatives like "basic instincts" or "primal urges" to add nuanced distinctions. The phrase generally carries a negative connotation, implying a conflict between primal drives and higher moral reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic instincts

Focuses on inherent, unlearned patterns of behavior.

primal urges

Emphasizes the intensity and fundamental nature of the desires.

instinctual drives

A more clinical and direct synonym, focusing on inherent motivations.

animalistic desires

Highlights the non-rational, instinctual aspect of the drives.

fundamental drives

Highlights the core and essential motivators.

gut reactions

Stresses the intuitive and immediate nature of the response.

visceral responses

Implies a deep, emotional, and instinctive reaction.

elemental passions

Conveys the raw and fundamental nature of the feelings.

inner cravings

Suggests a strong, internal desire that is difficult to resist.

underlying motivations

Highlights the less obvious, but fundamental drivers of behavior.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "base impulses" in a sentence?

Use "base impulses" to describe the fundamental, often primal, motivations that drive human behavior, especially in contexts where these impulses conflict with reason or morality. For example, "The politician's decisions were driven by his "base impulses", leading to widespread corruption".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "base impulses"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "basic instincts", "primal urges", or "animalistic desires".

Is "base impulses" always used in a negative context?

Yes, "base impulses" typically carries a negative connotation, referring to drives considered selfish, immoral, or harmful. While not always explicitly negative, it often implies a lack of higher reasoning or moral consideration.

What is the difference between "base impulses" and "basic needs"?

"Base impulses" refers to fundamental drives like greed or lust that often conflict with moral standards, while "basic needs" refers to essential requirements for survival and well-being, such as food, shelter, and safety. The key difference lies in the moral judgment and the type of motivation being described.