on its base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on its base" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action or object's origin. For example: The tennis ball wobbled for a few seconds on its base before finally coming to a stop.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much later the writer saw the statue and saw that it had an inscription in English, at one point on its base, which he had translated for the group from Russian.

The New Yorker

Standing it on its base will only cause it to start rotting.

WikiHow

Use your index finger to stabilize the needle by pressing it on its base.

WikiHow

Decide if you want to use the box on its base or it's side.

WikiHow

It sits firmly on its base, but instills fear with its sharp points.

MIT Technology Review

Made of thermoplastic resin bearing the image of a face, it stands up on its base when not in use.

The New York Times

The Riff feels quite solid and there's a power button on its base to power it up.

Forbes

Leaving the box still sitting on its base, go to one end of the box.

WikiHow

It's light, like a kid's soccer trophy, and it has two plastic rubies on its base.

The New Yorker

It can be placed back on its base in numerous sturdy positions.

BioData Mining

If you tread on a Roomba, it will not cause you to slip over; instead, a rubber pad on its base grips the floor and prevents it from moving.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on its base" to clearly indicate the supporting part of an object or structure. This provides clarity in descriptions and instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "at its base" interchangeably with "on its base" as "at" can sometimes refer to a general vicinity rather than the direct supporting surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on its base" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun by indicating a location or state of support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on its base" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe how an object is positioned or supported. Ludwig AI confirms that it is typically used to indicate the supporting part of an object or structure. It finds frequent use in News & Media, Wiki and Science. While it maintains a neutral register and is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, clarity is improved if writers avoid using "at its base" interchangeably because the latter can refer to a broader surrounding area instead of the direct supporting surface. Common alternatives include "at its foundation" or "resting on its bottom". Overall, understanding the nuances of "on its base" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its foundation

Emphasizes the foundational aspect rather than the physical base.

upon its pedestal

Suggests a more elevated or formal support structure.

resting on its bottom

Focuses on the lowest part of an object providing support.

affixed to its mounting

Implies a secure attachment to a support structure.

standing on its end

Highlights the vertical orientation and the supporting end.

anchored to its footing

Emphasizes stability and secure placement.

supported by its substructure

Focuses on the underlying structure that provides support.

positioned on its lower section

A more descriptive way of indicating the base as the supporting part.

located at its ground level

Emphasizes the position at the base or ground.

founded on its groundwork

Suggests the fundamental base upon which something is built.

FAQs

How can I use "on its base" in a sentence?

You can use "on its base" to describe how an object rests or is supported. For example, "The statue stood proudly "on its base"."

What are some alternatives to using "on its base"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "at its foundation", "upon its pedestal", or "resting on its bottom".

Is it correct to say "at its base" instead of "on its base"?

While "at its base" can be acceptable in some contexts, ""on its base"" is more precise when referring to direct physical support.

What's the difference between "on its base" and "at its foundation"?

"On its base" typically refers to the physical supporting surface, whereas "at its foundation" can refer to the underlying structure or principle.