base instincts

USAGE SUMMARY

'base instincts' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a person's or animal's instinctual urges which are difficult to control, especially those which are connected with survival, reproduction, and aggression. For example: "The soldier had to fight against his base instincts in order to make the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They tend to pander to base instincts.

The Economist

You appeal to some of the most base instincts.

The New York Times - Magazine

All we have is a spurt of base instincts.

The New Yorker

It lends itself to passion, base instincts, impulsive bravado".

The Guardian

A clarion call to the base instincts beneath our precious veneer of civilisation.

The Guardian - Tech

And to enjoy and profit from this book, one must suspend such base instincts.

The New York Times

"He appealed to the very worst, most base instincts of who we are as a people".

The New Yorker

More than anyone else, he's torpedoed the prospect of a bipartisan breakthrough on immigration by encouraging Trump's base instincts.

The Washington Post

When it comes to the Bushes' willingness to stir up base instincts of the base, it is as it was.

The New York Times

There is a distinct whiff of quality about the whole operation, although Haviland's isn't above pandering to base instincts.

The Guardian - Travel

I understand how anger and binaries may appeal to our base instincts, but indulging them seems significantly maladaptive in today's world.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "base instincts", consider the connotation. It often implies a negative or primal aspect of human behavior, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "base instincts" in highly formal or academic writing unless you are specifically analyzing human nature or primal behaviors. Opt for more neutral terms like "fundamental motivations" or "underlying impulses" for a less judgmental tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base instincts" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, referring to fundamental, often primal, drives or urges. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "base instincts" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe fundamental, often primal, human drives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it often carries a negative connotation, its register is generally neutral, appearing frequently in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the implications of using this phrase and whether more neutral alternatives like "fundamental motivations" might be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core instincts

Focuses on the fundamental, central nature of the instincts.

primitive urges

Highlights the primal, undeveloped aspect of the urges.

animalistic impulses

Emphasizes the connection to animalistic behavior and drives.

instinctual drives

Emphasizes the driving force behind the instincts.

gut reactions

Refers to immediate, unthinking responses.

visceral responses

Highlights the deep, emotional nature of the responses.

elemental passions

Emphasizes the fundamental, raw nature of the passions.

natural inclinations

Focuses on the inherent, untaught tendencies.

inherent tendencies

Stresses the inborn quality of the tendencies.

fundamental desires

Highlights the basic, underlying nature of the desires.

FAQs

How can I use "base instincts" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician appealed to the voters' "base instincts" by focusing on fear and insecurity".

What is a more neutral alternative to "base instincts"?

Depending on the context, you could use "fundamental motivations", "underlying impulses", or "natural inclinations".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "base instincts"?

It's appropriate when describing behavior driven by primal urges like survival, reproduction, or aggression, often implying a lack of higher reasoning or moral consideration.

What's the difference between "base instincts" and "better angels"?

"Base instincts" refer to primal urges, while "better angels" implies more virtuous, moral, and rational aspects of human nature. The two phrases represent opposing forces within human behavior.