baser impulses

USAGE SUMMARY

'baser impulses' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression which is used to refer to the instinctual, selfish, or primitive desires and motivations that a person might have. For example: "Though his better judgement told him not to, his baser impulses compelled him to take the money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Publicly anyway, Mr. Cuomo has learned to keep these baser impulses in check.

The New York Times

To be self-indulgent and intemperate, she adds, is to forfeit one's higher nature and to yield to baser impulses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The founders of America wanted a government that reflected its citizens, but would be at remove from the baser impulses of the mob.

The New York Times

Clarissa would be both furious and humiliated if she knew to what extent Lovelace is torn between his real tenderness for her and his baser impulses.

The New Yorker

Newspaper editors and TV-news producers have always been susceptible to sensationalism and the pursuit of ratings, but their baser impulses are sometimes checked by nobler ones.

The New Yorker

Moderation is now something of a watchword for Barât who, since meeting Langley, has curbed the baser impulses detailed in his book and adjusted to a more settled lifestyle.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

That is the assumption that the "baser" impulse — in this case, the impulse to prefer your cheater to their cheater — is more hard-wired than the "nobler" impulse, which would be to put favoritism aside, ignore the fact that one quarterback is married to a Brazilian supermodel while the other does Papa John's pizza commercials, difficult as that may be, and weigh the cases impartially.

The New Yorker

Social media reveals to us base impulses, ugly and aggressive.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that sudden moment, our base impulses emerge.

The New York Times

Luce, after all, has already stripped her women down to their basest impulses.

The New York Times

This approach just excuses people from acting stupidly, giving in to base impulses and doing away with basic human dignity.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "baser impulses" to describe actions driven by fundamental desires, such as greed, lust, or anger, especially when contrasting them with more noble or rational considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "baser impulses" to describe fleeting feelings like sadness or momentary frustration. Reserve it for motivations tied to more fundamental, often self-serving, drives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "baser impulses" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to the fundamental, often negative, motivations that drive human behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "baser impulses" is a grammatically sound noun phrase referring to the instinctual, selfish, or primitive desires that can drive human behavior. While Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for motivations genuinely rooted in fundamental drives rather than fleeting emotions. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often in analyses of character or societal trends. Alternative phrases like "lower instincts" or "primal desires" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When writing, focus on using "baser impulses" to describe clear and potentially negative motivations, always contrasting them with more rational or ethical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower instincts

Focuses on the instinctual aspect, similar to "baser impulses" but slightly more neutral.

darker urges

Emphasizes the sinister and potentially harmful aspect of these impulses.

primal desires

Highlights the fundamental and often unconscious nature of the motivations.

selfish desires

Specifies the self-centered nature of the impulses.

uncontrolled passions

Implies a lack of restraint and strong emotional drivers.

animalistic urges

Draws a comparison to animal behavior, emphasizing instinct over reason.

ignoble cravings

Highlights the lack of nobility and ethical considerations.

immoral temptations

Focuses on the ethical dimension, suggesting a conflict with moral principles.

earthly desires

References worldly and physical desires, which can be interpreted as negative.

unrefined drives

Suggests that these desires are not processed or moderated by higher thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "baser impulses" in a sentence?

You can use "baser impulses" to describe actions motivated by selfish or instinctual desires, for example, "Despite his good intentions, his "baser impulses" led him to prioritize personal gain".

What's a good alternative to "baser impulses"?

Alternatives include "lower instincts", "darker urges", or "primal desires", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "baser impulses" formal or informal language?

"Baser impulses" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It can be used in news, literature, and academic writing, but might sound overly dramatic in very casual conversation.

What kind of desires does "baser impulses" typically refer to?

"Baser impulses" often refers to desires like greed, lust, anger, or the urge for dominance – motivations that are considered primitive or selfish when acted upon without restraint.