baseline

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "baseline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the initial, baseline performance of something or someone that is used as a reference point for comparison or as a measure of progress. For example, "The team set a baseline of 1,000 points before going into the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the end of March, countries will have to show their hands in terms of what greenhouse gas cuts they're planning, even if the Lima text doesn't oblige them to go into details about baseline years and annual targets as some countries had asked for.

The Guardian

The excitement that interviewers seek in vain when speaking to Henman is provided on the court, where the British number one plays a brand of attacking, serve-and-volley tennis that is rapidly being replaced by the baseline belting preferred by most of the new generation of players.

The Guardian - Sport

The move by the chancellor is designed to ensure he defines what he calls the "baseline" at the next general election – controlling the terms of the fiscal debate.

The Guardian

Murray retrieved and was lobbed but, swivelling on the retreat near the baseline, conjured up a dazzling crosscourt winner that alerted the crowd to the possibility of something special.

The Guardian - Sport

Thanks to some nifty baseline mapping of householder car use within the region, Marion and her colleagues have worked out that 1% is roughly equivalent to one million miles, "Hence the project's name," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most dieters are back to their previous baseline weight within three to five years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indian resources firm GVK, which will operate the mine, is also required to submit a water monitoring and management plan, which will help "establish baseline data for water quality".

The Guardian

This was significant because 1990 was the baseline year for calculating emissions targets.

The Guardian

Medical care that results in "gross departures from standard norms" is the baseline for asylum seekers in detention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their scores remained reduced by around 20% compared to their initial baseline when the participants were tested one week later.

The Guardian

His 11 first-class games have reaped four centuries and an average of 42, which would be the baseline figure for consideration in an ideal world.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports and analyses, always state the "baseline" data source and collection method to ensure transparency and reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "baseline" to describe a desired outcome or target. "Baseline" represents the initial state, while a target is the intended future state. Misusing the term can lead to misinterpretations of progress or goals.

Linguistic Context

The term "baseline" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a reference point for measurements or comparisons. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse fields, from climate change negotiations to sports and medical studies, consistently serving as the foundation for assessing change or progress. The Ludwig AI also confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "baseline" serves as a crucial noun, establishing a reference point for comparison across varied fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage. As shown by the examples provided by Ludwig, its purpose is to provide a foundation for analysis, tracking progress or measuring deviations. Common contexts include news, sports, and formal business settings. Remember to clearly define the parameters of your "baseline" to ensure precision and avoid confusion with targets. Alternatives like "reference point" or "starting point" can be used for semantic variation. The best practice is to clearly source your "baseline" data, while it should not be confused with a target.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference point

Focuses on using a specific point for comparison.

benchmark

Highlights a standard against which performance is measured.

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning stage or initial value.

base level

Suggests a fundamental or foundational level.

standard level

Refers to a typical or expected degree of performance.

initial measurement

Stresses the first recorded value in a series.

typical level

Indicates the normal or expected amount or degree.

control value

Highlights a value used for comparison in scientific experiments.

foundation level

Refers to the basic or fundamental level upon which something is built.

datum point

Indicates a fixed reference for calculations or comparisons.

FAQs

How is "baseline" used in scientific studies?

In scientific research, "baseline" typically refers to the initial measurements taken before any intervention or experiment. It serves as a "reference point" to assess the impact of the intervention. For example, researchers might measure a patient's symptoms before starting a new medication to establish a "baseline".

What's the difference between a "baseline" and a benchmark?

While both terms involve comparison, "baseline" refers to the initial state or measurement used for future comparisons, whereas a "benchmark" is a standard or best practice used to evaluate performance. A "baseline" is where you start; a benchmark is where you aspire to be.

How can I establish a "baseline" in project management?

To establish a "baseline" in project management, document the project's scope, schedule, and cost at the beginning. This "starting point" allows you to track progress and identify deviations from the original plan. Any changes to the project should be measured against this "baseline".

What are some alternatives to using "baseline" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reference point", "standard level", or "initial measurement" instead of "baseline". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.