low base

USAGE SUMMARY

"low base" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a low-level starting point in a given situation. For example, "I'm starting with a low base salary, but I'm confident I can negotiate a higher wage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So will low base rates.

The Economist

From an extraordinarily low base.

The Guardian - Sport

Many start from a low base.

The Economist

That new low base is important.

The New York Times

Yes, it's starting at a low base.

The Guardian

"We started from a really low base.

The Guardian

We were starting from such a low base.

The Guardian

Digital earnings were down 72% from an already low base.

The Guardian - Business

Spain is on the up but from a low base.

The Guardian - Business

Housing construction is rising, but from a very low base.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the company was starting from a low base".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "low base", ensure the context clearly indicates what is starting from a small level. For instance, "The company's profits increased significantly, but it's important to remember they were starting from a "low base".

Common error

Avoid assuming a high percentage increase from a "low base" automatically signifies substantial growth in absolute terms. Highlight the absolute values to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low base" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (explicit or implicit) to indicate a starting point or foundation that is small or insignificant. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low base" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small or insignificant starting point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and business contexts. While a high percentage increase from a "low base" may seem impressive, it's crucial to consider the absolute values for a complete understanding. Alternative phrases like "small foundation" or "modest beginning" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to clarify the reference point when using "low base" and avoid overemphasizing percentage increases without considering absolute gains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small foundation

Emphasizes the limited size or extent of the underlying support or starting point.

modest beginning

Highlights the unassuming and humble nature of the initial stage.

limited scale

Focuses on the restricted scope or magnitude of something at its inception.

humble start

Stresses the lack of grandeur or pretension in the initial phase.

small scale

Indicates the project or venture started with a very limited scale.

weak foundation

Highlights the lack of a solid or strong base for future growth or development.

narrow base

Suggests the foundation is restricted in width or breadth, potentially limiting future expansion.

basic level

Implies a simple or rudimentary starting point, lacking complexity or sophistication.

initial stage

Indicates the first phase of development or progress from which growth is expected.

early phase

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing the beginning period of a process or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "low base" to describe a situation that is starting from a small or insignificant level. For example: "Sales increased by 500%, but that was from a "low base".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "low base"?

Alternatives to "low base" include "small foundation", "modest beginning", or "limited scale". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more impressive to grow from a "low base" or a high one?

While growth from a "low base" can show significant percentage increases, it might not translate to a substantial impact overall compared to similar growth from a larger, more established starting point.

What does it mean when someone says something is "growing from a low base"?

When something is described as "growing from a low base", it signifies that its initial level or value was quite small. While any subsequent growth might appear impressive in percentage terms, the absolute increase could still be relatively modest.