expand the base

USAGE SUMMARY

"expand the base" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to an effort to grow the number of people or resources that form the foundation of something. For example, "The company is working to expand the base of its consumer market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

We want to expand the base we have".

The New York Times

"It's always hard to expand the base," Mr. Culver said.

The New York Times

He was trying to expand the base through persuasion of independents and, later, disaffected Democrats.

The Washington Post

Then, when you fill each department's staff quota, you can expand the base itself, to create yet more room.

The Guardian - Tech

If the U.S.T.A. can expand the base of young players, the thinking goes, it will eventually churn out better talent.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it's very clear that Ronald Reagan was able to expand the base of the party and continue to espouse the conservative philosophy," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The C overhang configuration in the end-labeling manner could enhance the fluorescence anisotropy signal but not expand the base-pair response range.

Talanta

It is an album of musical-theater songs, which expands the base of jazz-record buyers.

The New York Times - Arts

They emphasize expanding the base of income-tax payers, not hitting current taxpayers harder.

The New York Times

You have to be expanding the base, expanding the party, because compared to the Democratic Party, the Republican Party is a minority party".

The New York Times

Is this the old strategy of turn out the base, or the political imperative of expanding the base?" This is an awkward time for Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expand the base", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the "base". Whether it's a customer base, a knowledge base, or a physical structure, clarity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "expand the base" without specifying what the base is. A vague reference can leave the audience confused about the intended meaning and scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand the base" functions primarily as a verb phrase with a noun, acting as a directive or descriptive term for increasing the foundational elements of something. As supported by Ludwig's examples, this can range from a customer base to infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expand the base" is a versatile and frequently used expression referring to the act of increasing the foundational elements of something, whether it's a customer base, a political following, or a knowledge base. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Usage analysis reveals it to be most common in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science". For clarity, always specify what the base is to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "broaden the base" and "widen the base" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broaden the base

Uses a different verb ("broaden" instead of "expand") to convey a similar meaning of making the base wider or more inclusive.

widen the base

Employs "widen" to suggest increasing the breadth of the base.

enlarge the foundation

Replaces "base" with "foundation", emphasizing the structural aspect of growth.

extend the reach

Shifts the focus to the extent of influence or impact rather than the foundational element itself.

increase the scope

Focuses on expanding the range or extent of an activity or project.

grow the support network

Specific to increasing the number of people or entities offering assistance or backing.

develop the infrastructure

Targets the expansion of underlying systems and facilities.

amplify the effect

Changes the focus to increasing the magnitude of an impact or result.

bolster the groundwork

Highlights strengthening the initial preparations or support.

deepen the roots

Implies establishing a more profound or secure foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "expand the base" in a sentence?

You can use "expand the base" to describe efforts to grow something's foundation. For instance, "The company aims to "expand the base" of its customer market through targeted advertising campaigns."

What's a good alternative to "expand the base"?

Alternatives include "broaden the base", "widen the base", or "enlarge the foundation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "expand the base" or "grow the base"?

Both "expand the base" and "grow the base" are acceptable. "Expand" often implies a widening or broadening, while "grow" suggests an increase in size or number. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "expand the base" in a political context?

In politics, to "expand the base" means to attract more supporters, potentially including people from different demographic groups or with different political affiliations. The goal is to broaden the group of people who actively support a political party or candidate.