base urges

USAGE SUMMARY

"base urges" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a strong feeling of wanting to do something that is considered wrong or inappropriate. For example, "He found it difficult to ignore his base urges and turn away from the temptation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Without him, Ireland lacked the creativity to break down a side that had been sent out with the base urges of manager Agelos Anastasiades as motivation.

The Guardian - Sport

Or they could simply accept that traditional television has been in decline for a decade and adjust accordingly, by leaving its audiences wanting more instead of overwhelming their base urges.

The Guardian - Sport

From Jack Johnson to Muhammad Ali, fighters have used boxing as a vehicle for social change, but more often, race has been used as a marketing ploy, an appeal to one set of base urges in a sport built on them.

The Washington Post

Don't they have a clue how difficult going against my base urges is?

Huffington Post

Limiting basic food intake shows you're not swayed by the base urges of the body that even hunger has no power over you.

Vice

I'm not saying we should shape UK policies around the base urges of teenage boys, but if your idea can be torn apart by one of them shouting on a bus, then maybe have a rethink; v.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

De Torres and Bowley quickly banged out three more; when those went online, their growing fan base urged them to produce a full album and to go on tour.

The New York Times - Magazine

This month, Mr. Khan rallied thousands of his supporters in the desert outside Herat, the cultured western provincial capital and the center of his power base, urging them to coordinate and reactivate their networks.

The New York Times

The singer's devoted fan base urged listeners to buy the historically maligned album, prompting a ten-thousand-per-cent increase in sales—nearly two decades after it originally flopped.

The New Yorker

The Democratic party needs to wake up to the outcry from their base urging them to choose their candidate wisely.

Huffington Post

Three years ago, several weeks after his resignation from Congress, he sent a letter to his fan base urging them to vote for country singer Sara Evans, a Dancing with the Stars contestant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "base urges" when you want to convey a sense of primal, often negative, desires that are difficult to control. It's effective in contexts where you're discussing moral struggles or the darker aspects of human nature.

Common error

Avoid using "base urges" in overly formal or academic writing unless the context specifically calls for a discussion of primal instincts or morally questionable desires. Opt for more neutral terms like "fundamental desires" or "instinctual drives" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base urges" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes strong, fundamental desires, often with a negative connotation, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "base urges" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe strong, primal desires that are often viewed negatively. Ludwig AI validates its use. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears most commonly in news and media sources, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the intensity and potential judgmental tone of "base urges", opting for more neutral alternatives like "basic desires" or "primal instincts" in formal or sensitive contexts. Be mindful of your audience when selecting the best fit between the various options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primitive urges

Focuses on the historical and evolutionary aspect of fundamental desires.

primal instincts

Focuses on innate, instinctual behaviors, removing the negative connotation of "base".

raw instincts

Similar to "primal instincts" but with a focus on the unrefined nature of the impulses.

basic desires

Replaces "urges" with a more neutral term, softening the intensity.

instinctual drives

A more clinical and less judgmental way to describe the same concept.

animalistic impulses

Emphasizes the animalistic nature of the drives, heightening the intensity.

natural impulses

Highlights the natural and inherent quality of the desires.

fundamental cravings

Highlights the strong, compelling nature of the desires.

innate yearnings

Softens the intensity of "urges" with a more gentle term, "yearnings".

visceral needs

Emphasizes the deep, gut-level aspect of the desires.

FAQs

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

You can use "base urges" to describe strong, often negative, desires. For example, "He struggled to control his "base urges" when presented with an opportunity to cheat."

What are some synonyms for "base urges"?

Alternatives include "primal instincts", "animalistic impulses", or "fundamental cravings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "base urges" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "base urges" can sound intense or judgmental. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "basic desires" or "natural inclinations" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "base urges" and "basic needs"?

"Base urges" typically refer to desires that are considered morally questionable or difficult to control, while "basic needs" refer to fundamental requirements for survival and well-being, such as food, shelter, and safety.