cover every base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover every base" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that all aspects or possibilities of a situation have been considered or addressed. Example: "Before launching the new product, we need to ensure we cover every base to avoid any potential issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

However, collectively the team needs to cover every base.

Stanford University

The All Blacks have players both versatile and skilled enough to cover every base.

The Guardian - Sport

You have to cover every base and that requires a training program which is puritanical".

The New York Times - Sports

And will he cover every base by getting the Working Families Party ballot line, along with the others he has?

The New Yorker

So it tries to cover every base: sex slavery, forced manual labor, political foot-dragging, celebrity activism, frustration among nongovernmental agencies dealing with the issue.

The New York Times

We say "no" when we should say "yes" because we don't feel worth it, we don't feel we can cover every base.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But they have been efficient in every way and have, as  they like to say, covered  every base.

Independent

It took years to make, involving five different producers, who between them seem to have covered every base.

The Guardian - Music

It takes two to tango, and even if your organization has covered every base to hit the ball out of the volunteering park, your nonprofit partner needs to be able to deliver data on its end, too.

Forbes

"There is no greater honour than representing your country and it will be a privilege to do it again". The Football Association's director of women's football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said: "I am really pleased we have got Phil and we will build a brilliant team around him that covers every base.

BBC

I had nothing to lose and everything to gain". Covering every base imaginable--and unimaginable--is part of playing Hollywood.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cover every base", ensure it aligns with the context of comprehensive planning, preparation, or risk mitigation. It's most effective when you're highlighting thoroughness.

Common error

Avoid using "cover every base" excessively, especially in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound cliché. Use "be thorough" or "address every aspect" to improve your writing.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "cover every base" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to express the action of being thorough and prepared. Ludwig examples show it frequently appears when discussing planning, risk management, or comprehensive approaches.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cover every base" is an idiomatic expression used to convey thoroughness and preparedness. While it's considered grammatically correct and usable, Ludwig AI marks it as such, it's more appropriate for neutral or informal contexts rather than highly formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media. If seeking alternatives, consider options like "leave no stone unturned" or "ensure complete coverage" to refine the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave no stone unturned

This alternative suggests a thorough and exhaustive search or investigation, emphasizing persistence.

take all precautions

This phrase focuses on preventative measures and safety to avoid potential problems.

consider all angles

Highlights the importance of examining a situation from multiple points of view.

account for all possibilities

This phrase stresses the importance of planning for any and all potential outcomes.

be prepared for anything

Focuses on readiness and adaptability in the face of uncertain circumstances.

ensure complete coverage

This stresses the breadth of inclusion and attention to every detail.

address every aspect

Highlights the importance of attending to each component of the matter.

leave nothing to chance

This emphasizes eliminating reliance on luck by preparing for all possible issues.

think of everything

A more conversational way to suggest being thorough in one's planning and preparation.

be thorough

A general recommendation to focus on detail and avoid oversight.

FAQs

How can I use "cover every base" in a sentence?

You can use "cover every base" to indicate that all possible precautions have been taken or that all aspects of a situation have been considered. For example, "The team worked late to "cover every base" before the presentation".

What does it mean to "cover every base"?

To "cover every base" means to ensure that all potential problems or issues have been addressed, and that all necessary precautions have been taken.

What are some alternative phrases to "cover every base"?

Alternatives to "cover every base" include "leave no stone unturned", "take all precautions", or "consider all angles". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "cover every base" appropriate for formal writing?

While "cover every base" is widely understood, it's an idiom and may be too informal for some formal writing. In such cases, more direct phrases like "ensure complete coverage" or "address every aspect" may be more suitable.