establish a base

USAGE SUMMARY

'establish a base' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to establishing a foundation which can be built upon. For example, "In order to form a successful business, we need to establish a base of loyal customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We have to establish a base here at home".

The New York Times - Sports

They also failed to establish a base in New York.

The Economist

It hopes, however, to establish a base at the international airport in Budapest.

The New York Times

* Don't keep moving on: allow time at each destination to establish a base.

Independent

"We saw Brown as the perfect guy to come in and establish a base for us," Dumars said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Energy drinks needed to establish a base with a particular group and then expand from there," Seifer said.

The New Yorker

"I think you see everybody trying to establish a base there, and we're no exception," Mr. Lesar said.

The New York Times

He and Mr. Wyden argued that if terrorists could establish a base where they would be free of federal undercover operations, the whole nation would be threatened.

The New York Times

In Stockholm, he met with politicians, hoping to secure support for him to establish a base of operations for WikiLeaks there.

The New Yorker

They also had to explain to local hunter-gatherers the concept of paying them to help establish a base camp near the village.

The Guardian

For many summers, I hauled the chair out to the front lawn to establish a base camp at eye level with the peonies.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish a base" in writing, ensure the context clearly defines what kind of base is being established (e.g., a business base, a military base, a scientific base) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a base was established" without specifying who or what did the establishing. Active voice (e.g., "The company established a base") is often more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a base" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "establish" acts as the main verb and "a base" serves as the direct object. Ludwig's AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase indicates the action of creating or setting up a foundation or starting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish a base" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the creation of a foundation or starting point for future activities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences. Related phrases like "set up a foundation" and "lay the groundwork" offer similar meanings, with slight variations in nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the type of base being established and favor active voice for direct and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set up a foundation

Focuses on the foundational aspect, emphasizing the act of creating a firm base.

lay the groundwork

Highlights the preparatory steps involved in creating a base.

build a starting point

Emphasizes the concept of a beginning or initial stage.

create a foothold

Implies gaining an initial, often precarious, position.

develop a presence

Focuses on establishing a recognizable and active presence in a specific area.

form a hub

Suggests creating a central point for activity or operations.

pioneer a settlement

Implies being the first to establish a base in a new or undeveloped area.

initiate a station

Focuses on beginning the operation of a fixed facility or location.

plant a seed

A metaphorical phrase implying the initial act of establishing something that will grow over time.

forge a beginning

Emphasizes the active creation of a starting point.

FAQs

What does it mean to "establish a base"?

To "establish a base" means to create a foundation, starting point, or location from which further activity or development can occur. It implies setting up a stable and secure position.

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

You can use "establish a base" in various contexts. For example: "The company sought to "develop a presence" in the Asian market", or "The expedition aimed to "set up a foundation" for research in Antarctica".

What are some alternatives to "establish a base"?

Alternatives include "lay the groundwork", "set up a foundation", "develop a presence", or "create a foothold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "establish a base"?

It's appropriate when discussing creating a physical location for operations (military, scientific), building a foundation for growth (business, personal), or initiating a project or endeavor that requires a stable starting point.