baselines

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "baselines" is correct and usable in written English.
In business contexts, it can refer to the standard performance that is used as the benchmark for measuring progress or success of some kind. For example, "The company set its revenue baselines for the next quarter at $15 million."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quantitative surveys will always have a large and important role as a research tool, especially when it comes to defining an issue, segmenting communities and establishing baselines for evaluation.

The Guardian

Most Chinese analysts suspect Mr Noda of conniving with Mr Ishihara, who has since launched his own party.In response to the "nationalisation" of the disputed islands, China lodged its claim to "territorial baselines" around them and is sending (civilian) government patrol vessels into their waters ever more frequently.

The Economist

At that stage, many projects covered by the drive had not even established baselines against which the supposed efficiency gains might be counted.

The Economist

These may come from inflated national baselines for deforestation, or allowances that permit some sorts of tree-felling to be ignored.

The Economist

Where coasts recede because of rising seas, so do the baselines from which such zones are calculated, many scholars say.

The Economist

But some authorities think baselines, once established, could be deemed permanent.

The Economist

And, sure enough, when China the following year published the "baselines" it claimed under the law, its neighbours found more cause for alarm.ASEAN's influence is relatively weak.

The Economist

The zone originally extended 12 nautical miles from the baselines but was doubled by the 1982 treaty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 1982 treaty allowed states to claim such a zone, extending 200 nautical miles from the baselines, in which they would possess sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage the natural resources of the seas and seabed; to exercise jurisdiction over artificial installations and scientific research; and to protect and preserve the marine environment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The territory of states includes internal waters (i.e., harbours, lakes, and rivers that are on the landward side of the baselines from which the territorial sea and other maritime zones are measured), over which the state has full and complete sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through the Law of the Sea treaty and now under customary international law, a state may claim a territorial sea of up to 12 nautical miles from the baselines (essentially the low-water mark around the coasts of the state concerned), though, in cases where a coast is heavily indented, a series of straight baselines from projecting points may be drawn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about project evaluation, clearly define your "baselines" to provide a solid reference point for measuring progress.

Common error

Avoid using "baselines" when you mean "basic lines". "Baselines" refers to initial states or reference points, not simply fundamental or elementary lines.

Linguistic Context

The term "baselines" primarily functions as a noun, often plural, denoting established reference points or initial states against which future measurements or progress are compared. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "baselines" serves as a plural noun denoting established reference points used for comparison. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically sound and frequently used term across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. When using "baselines", ensure clarity about the reference point and avoid confusion with "basic lines". Utilizing alternative phrases like "reference levels" or "initial measurements" can enhance precision, while remembering to define your "baselines" clearly when measuring project progress enhances efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference levels

Focuses on the idea of a standard for comparison, similar to establishing a "baseline".

benchmark figures

Emphasizes the numerical aspect of a "baseline", highlighting its use in measurement.

starting points

Highlights the role of "baselines" as initial values or positions.

initial measurements

Focuses on the act of taking measurements to establish a "baseline".

standard values

Implies the existence of a typical or expected value, similar to a "baseline".

established norms

Suggests commonly accepted or expected levels, comparable to using "baselines".

control measures

Indicates a set of standards used for comparison, similar to a "baseline".

foundation levels

Highlights the fundamental aspect of "baselines", acting as a basis for comparison.

preliminary data

Focuses on the data collection aspect of establishing a "baseline".

reference data

Highlights the role of data serving as a "baseline" for future comparison.

FAQs

How can "baselines" be used in project management?

"Baselines" serve as fixed reference points to measure project performance. They are used to track deviations in schedule, cost, and scope, allowing project managers to identify and address potential issues early on.

What is the difference between "baselines" and "benchmarks"?

"Baselines" are initial measurements or starting points, whereas "benchmarks" are standards against which performance is evaluated. A "baseline" can become a "benchmark" if it's used to define success criteria.

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "reference levels", "standard values", or "initial measurements" instead of "baselines".

Why are "baselines" important in scientific research?

"Baselines" provide a point of comparison for assessing changes or effects in an experiment or study. Establishing clear "baselines" is crucial for determining the significance of any observed results.