base of a mountain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "base of a mountain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the lowest part or foundation of a mountain, often in geographical or descriptive contexts. Example: "We set up our campsite at the base of the mountain, where the trees provided ample shade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is akin to a mountaineer standing at the base of a mountain, looking up, and not being able to see the top.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Broad-leaved trees are more common at lower altitudes, as at the base of a mountain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For those who saw it daily, it was like living at the base of a mountain.

The New York Times

It's not a cutesy alpine village at the base of a mountain".

The New York Times

When we arrived at the base of a mountain not far from Lake Champlain, more than a dozen people were standing around in the cold, waiting for us.

The New Yorker

In the summer of 1922, he was hiking in the French Pyrenees when he noticed a small stream flowing from the base of a mountain.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

All President George W. Bush did was, unwisely, perpetuate what seemed a booming economy that was in fact based on a mountain of private indebtedness.

The New York Times

"We believe, based on a mountain of evidence, that if we can create a sports game that also is a place for you to live 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you might actually have a better life in cyberspace," he said.

The New York Times

Svalbard is blasted deep into the rock base of Platåfjellet, a mountain on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen.

Vice

If it takes a year to get to the base of a nearby mountain, who cares?

The New York Times - Science

I had the sudden sensation of standing at the base of a large mountain, preparing to embark on an arduous climb.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "base of a mountain" to clearly indicate the area immediately surrounding the bottom of the mountain. For example, "The village is located at the base of a mountain, providing stunning views."

Common error

Avoid using "mountain base" as it is less common and can sound awkward. Stick to the established phrase "base of a mountain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base of a mountain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial of place, indicating a specific location. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "base of a mountain" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to denote the area immediately surrounding the lowest part of a mountain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various contexts, primarily descriptive ones. While found in diverse sources, it's most prevalent in news and media, followed by encyclopedias, which contributes to a neutral register. Alternatives such as "foot of the mountain" are available for stylistic variation. When writing, ensure clarity by using "base of a mountain" to precisely indicate locations near the mountain's bottom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foot of the mountain

Replaces "base" with "foot", a common synonym in geographical contexts.

mountain's foot

Inverts the structure while retaining the same meaning.

bottom of the mountain

Uses "bottom" instead of "base", offering a more general term for the lowest part.

foothills

Refers to the hilly region at the base of a mountain range.

lower slopes of the mountain

Focuses on the gradual incline near the base.

skirt of the mountain

Employs a metaphorical term, "skirt", to describe the area around the base.

ground level of the mountain

Specifies the ground level at the mountain's starting point.

mountain's foundation

Highlights the foundational aspect of the base.

below the peaks

Indicates the location relative to the mountain's highest points.

at the mountain's edge

Describes being on the border or periphery of the mountain.

FAQs

What does "base of a mountain" mean?

The "base of a mountain" refers to the lowest part of a mountain, where it meets the surrounding terrain. It's often used to describe locations or activities happening at the foot of a mountain.

How can I use "base of a mountain" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a location (e.g., "The town is situated at the base of a mountain"), an activity (e.g., "We set up camp at the base of a mountain"), or a geographical feature (e.g., "A stream flows from the base of a mountain").

What are some alternatives to "base of a mountain"?

Alternatives include "foot of the mountain", "bottom of the mountain", or referring to the "foothills" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "mountain base" instead of "base of a mountain"?

While understandable, "mountain base" is less common and can sound less natural than "base of a mountain". The latter is the more idiomatic and widely accepted phrase.