base of your neck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "base of your neck" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the area at the lower part of the neck, often in contexts related to anatomy, massage, or hair styling. Example: "She applied a soothing lotion to the base of your neck to relieve tension."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Tiered Ponytails: Gently gather the hair you just combed back into a second ponytail directly above the one at the base of your neck.

The New York Times

Mercedes did a better job of positioning a new option it calls the air scarf, a heating system built into the seat that blows warm air onto the base of your neck.

The New York Times

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck.

Huffington Post

Created by a guillotine-like contraption that settles atop your shoulders at the base of your neck, this is a steam room for your body alone.

Huffington Post

Carrying that heavy purse can cause the trapezius muscle, which sits on top of your shoulders, to spasm and therefore tighten, along with the muscles that go from your shoulder to the base of your neck.

HuffPost

Bathroom graffiti generally has a humor value somewhere between polite chuckling and staring into the middle distance while a chilled puddle of depression wells up at the base of your neck and slowly climbs into your brain.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Stand up straight and use a tailor's measuring tape to measure your neck starting from the base of the back of your neck and ending in the front where your collar sits at just around your Adam's apple.

WikiHow

Move the slider of buttons based on your neck measurement.

WikiHow

Another option is to soak the base of your head and neck in cool water for 5-10 minutes.

WikiHow

The tape measure should extend from the base of your hairline at your neck to the top of your hairline at the forehead.

WikiHow

This is done in a cyclical pattern, typically from the start position, then to base of your spine, lower back, upper back, neck, top of the head, forehead, face, neck, heart and back down to the lower dan tian.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, be precise. Using "base of your neck" helps avoid ambiguity compared to simply saying "neck".

Common error

While "base of your neck" is correct, consider whether it's the most natural choice. In casual conversation, "back of your neck" or "nape of your neck" might sound more conversational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base of your neck" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase specifying a location on the body. It often acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating where something is applied, measured, or felt. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

63%

News & Media

25%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "base of your neck" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify a location on the lower part of the neck. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it functions primarily as a prepositional phrase to provide anatomical precision, useful in medical, instructional, and descriptive contexts. While "nape of your neck" is a more specific alternative, "base of your neck" remains a versatile and widely understood term. It's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between it and similar phrases to ensure the most appropriate level of formality and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nape of your neck

Replaces "base" with "nape", a more specific term for the back of the neck.

lower part of your neck

Uses a more descriptive and less anatomical term for the same area.

bottom of your neck

Substitutes "base" with "bottom", a simpler synonym.

back of your neck

Focuses on the posterior aspect of the neck, near the hairline.

junction of your neck and shoulders

Describes the area where the neck meets the shoulders, providing a broader anatomical reference.

where your neck meets your back

Offers a more relational description, focusing on the meeting point of the neck and back.

cervical base

Employs more formal, anatomical terminology.

root of your neck

Uses "root" as a metaphor for the lower part of the neck.

lower cervical region

Utilizes specific anatomical terminology to denote the lower portion of the neck.

inferior neck region

Describes the neck region using anatomical directionality.

FAQs

How can I use "base of your neck" in a sentence?

The phrase "base of your neck" is typically used to specify a location for actions like applying lotion, measuring for clothing, or describing physical sensations. For instance, "She felt a shiver run down the "base of your neck"" or "Apply sunscreen to the "base of your neck" to prevent sunburn".

What's a more specific term for the "base of your neck"?

A more specific term is "nape of your neck", which refers to the back part of the neck. While "base of your neck" can refer to the general lower area, "nape" pinpoints the posterior region.

Is "base of your neck" formal or informal?

"Base of your neck" is generally neutral. While not overly formal, it's suitable for descriptive writing and instructions. For very casual conversation, alternatives like "back of your neck" or even just "neck" might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "base of your neck"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "nape of your neck", "lower neck area", or "bottom of your neck". The best choice depends on the level of precision and formality required.