base of the mountain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "base of the 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

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the base of the mountain is a European-style pedestrian village, Tremblant.

The New York Times - Travel

To raise bodies from the base of the mountain to the summit in eleven minutes!

The New Yorker

At the base of the mountain is the tranquil Silver Falls.

The New York Times - Travel

About 50 men, women and children were camped out at the base of the mountain ridge.

The New York Times

Melamed lived in a trailer at the base of the mountain.

The New York Times - Sports

We went to the base of the mountain and retrieved more gear.

The New Yorker

In Italy, Miller stayed in his own recreational vehicle parked at the base of the mountain.

The New York Times - Sports

Then they went to a bar at the base of the mountain.

The New York Times

There are plans, however, to build a childcare center at the base of the mountain.

The New York Times - Travel

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, at the base of the mountain, near Dickerson, has seasonal events.

The New York Times

LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN The face of Ludwig Wittgenstein stretches sideways across the base of the mountain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location or activity, use "base of the mountain" to clearly indicate the lowest part of the mountain, differentiating it from the summit or slopes.

Common error

Avoid using "base of the mountain" when you actually mean a higher elevation or a specific point along the mountain's slope. Clarity is key; be precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base of the mountain" functions primarily as a locative phrase, indicating a specific location at the lowest part of a mountain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression used to pinpoint a place. Examples show it describing where villages are situated, hikes begin, or features like alluvial fans are found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Travel

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "base of the mountain" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the lowest part of a mountain. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English and serves as a clear locative marker across diverse contexts, primarily in news, travel writing, and general descriptions. While alternatives like "foot of the mountain" or "bottom of the mountain" exist, the phrase maintains a straightforward and readily understood meaning. Therefore, using "base of the mountain" is generally a safe and effective choice for describing this geographical feature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foot of the mountain

Replaces "base" with "foot", offering a more metaphorical and descriptive term for the lowest part of the mountain.

bottom of the mountain

Substitutes "base" with "bottom", providing a simpler and more direct term for the lowest part of the mountain.

at the foot of the peak

Uses "peak" instead of "mountain" and "foot" instead of "base", retaining the core meaning.

lower slopes of the mountain

Refers specifically to the sloped area near the bottom, highlighting the gradual incline.

mountain's foundation

Emphasizes the structural support and the lowest part on which the mountain rests.

area surrounding the mountain's base

Expands the focus to include the general vicinity and immediate surroundings of the mountain's base.

mountain's lower reaches

Describes the lower sections or extents of the mountain, a slightly more formal phrasing.

at the mountain's skirt

Employs a more poetic and figurative description, suggesting the area around the base is like a skirt.

ground level of the mountain

Focuses on the ground level where the mountain begins, emphasizing the terrain.

the terrestrial limit of the mountain

A more formal and technical term that denotes the point where the mountain meets the land.

FAQs

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

You can use "base of the mountain" to describe locations, activities, or features situated at the lowest part of a mountain. For example, "The village is located at the base of the mountain" or "We started our hike from the base of the mountain".

What are some alternatives to saying "base of the mountain"?

Some alternatives include "foot of the mountain", "bottom of the mountain", or "lower slopes of the mountain". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "bottom of the mountain" instead of "base of the mountain"?

Yes, "bottom of the mountain" is a perfectly acceptable and understandable alternative to "base of the mountain". Both phrases refer to the lowest part of the mountain.

What's the difference between "base of the mountain" and "foothills"?

"Base of the mountain" refers specifically to the lowest part of the mountain itself, while "foothills" describes the hilly region at the base of a mountain range. Foothills are not part of the mountain proper, but rather a transitional zone.