base things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "base things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to matters or objects that are considered inferior, dishonorable, or unrefined. For example: "He was only interested in base things, like money and power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"We really had to think about how to activate our base, things that people deal with in U.S. politics.

The New Yorker

Those are the main base things that you want — well, for me, I would want my child to have.

The New York Times

"As the director of a state wildlife agency, if you try to do the right thing and base things in science, you're going to have your detractors".

The New York Times

Wireless communications can change this, he says, by making it possible to base things like road tolls and car-insurance premiums on people's actual driving patterns.

The Economist

She represented what to me is an old-fashioned idea of the artist as someone who must be kept apart from the fray, protected from base things, surrounded by special people.

The Guardian - Film

Without Labor as a counterweight, Mr. Sharon seems likely to face more trouble balancing the demands of his rightist base: things like greater expansion of settlements or more aggressive military tactics against the Palestinians, which could annoy the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A lot of people say way off-base things, and it's an unfair place to put the writer.

The New York Times

"I intended it to exempt places like defence plants, air force bases, things like that.

The Guardian - Business

"We're basing things on fragmentary and incomplete observations," Laughlin says.

Science Magazine

"Especially in prostate cancer, I have seen a bunch of survivor groups that are not very interested in basing things on science and are basing things on emotion," says Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society.

Forbes

"We based things on prices of previous years and really the recession has hit golf the same as it has hit anybody else".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "base things", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to fundamental aspects or something inferior. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "base things" as a catch-all term for anything you dislike or deem unimportant. Instead, specify exactly what aspects you find inferior or fundamental to maintain precision in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base things" functions as a noun phrase, where "base" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "things". As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase refers to fundamental or inferior matters, depending on the context. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in diverse contexts, from politics to personal values.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "base things" is a grammatically sound expression that can refer either to fundamental aspects or to matters considered inferior. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is context-dependent. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage ranges from neutral to informal, depending on the intent to inform or express judgment. While potentially useful, writers should be mindful of the connotations and opt for more precise language if clarity is paramount. By considering its various interpretations and contexts, you can effectively use "base things" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental aspects

Focuses on the foundational or essential nature, moving away from potential negative connotations.

basic elements

Emphasizes simplicity and essential components, offering a neutral alternative.

core principles

Highlights guiding beliefs or values that are central to a concept or system.

foundational matters

Stresses the importance of underlying subjects as a basis for further development.

essential components

Points out the crucial elements necessary for completeness or functionality.

underlying factors

Shifts the focus to the less obvious but influential elements affecting a situation.

groundwork considerations

Highlights the preliminary groundwork needed before moving to advanced steps.

basic foundations

Underscores the role of essential principles as a starting point.

preliminary factors

Highlights the initial considerations, with potential semantic difference.

primary attributes

Focuses on the main qualities or characteristics, potentially omitting secondary details.

FAQs

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

You can use "base things" to describe fundamental elements or, conversely, matters considered inferior or dishonorable. Context is critical to ensure the intended meaning is clear. For example, "Those are the main base things that you want — well, for me, I would want my child to have."

What's the difference between "base things" and "basic elements"?

"Base things" can carry a negative connotation, implying inferiority or crudeness, while "basic elements" is generally neutral, referring to fundamental components without judgment.

Are there synonyms for "base things" that don't imply negativity?

Yes, alternatives such as "core principles", "foundational matters", or "fundamental aspects" can convey the idea of essential elements without the potential for negative interpretation.

Is it always appropriate to use "base things" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of "base things" in formal writing depends on the context. If you intend to convey negativity or inferiority, it can be suitable. However, in most formal contexts, it's better to opt for more neutral and precise terms such as "essential components" or "underlying factors".