serve as a base for

USAGE SUMMARY

"serve as a base for" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to mean providing some kind of foundation for something else. For example: "The principles of democracy serve as a base for the US Constitution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Carrying helicopters, they can serve as a base for airborne commando units.

The Guardian

North Africa would subsequently serve as a base for future Allied operations against Italy itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jumia Group executives hope that Nigeria will serve as a base for the expansion of African e-commerce.

The New Yorker

Waffles also can serve as a base for savoury mixtures such as seafood or poultry in sauce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Field offices serve as a base for the most effective get-out-the-vote tactics, like door-to-door canvassing.

The New York Times

Depending on its configuration, a space station can serve as a base for a variety of activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Alikhani died in March of last year. The former US embassy continues to serve as a base for Iran's Revolutionary Guards corps).

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, said Tang Yunxiang, its president, this will serve as a base for getting to know American insurers and regulators as China spreads its wings.

The New York Times

In New York, protesters will meet at 8am in Bryant Park, which will serve as a base for much of the day.

The Guardian

The Spanish laid out avenues and built an imposing city of limestone that was intended to serve as a base for conquering the rest of South America.

The New York Times

However, Mr. Shevardnadze has ordered more than 1,000 security and police forces into the remote Pankisi Gorge, reported to serve as a base for several hundred Chechen fighters and a few dozen Islamic militants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a base for", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being supported or enabled. For example, "This data will "serve as a base for" future research projects" clarifies the supportive role.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a base for" without explicitly specifying the relationship between the base and the resulting outcome. Ensure clarity by detailing how the base contributes to the development or support of the subsequent element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a base for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the foundational role of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, providing a foundation for further development or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a base for" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something that provides a foundation or starting point for something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts, as seen in the examples. Related phrases include "act as a foundation for" and "form the basis of". When using this phrase, it's important to clearly indicate what is being supported. While widely accepted, vague connections should be avoided to maintain clarity. Overall, "serve as a base for" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing foundational relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form the basis of

Indicates the fundamental element upon which something is built.

act as a foundation for

Emphasizes the role of providing a stable and fundamental groundwork.

provide a foundation for

Focuses on supplying the necessary support or groundwork.

constitute a basis for

Highlights being an essential or integral element.

function as a starting point for

Highlights the use as a beginning or initial stage in a process.

work as a platform for

Suggests a structure that allows for further development or action.

offer a springboard for

Implies providing a launchpad for advancement or new endeavors.

underpin

A more concise way of saying provide a fundamental support.

be instrumental in

Highlights importance in enabling something to occur or develop.

give rise to

Focuses on being the cause or origin of something.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a base for" in a sentence?

Use "serve as a base for" to indicate that something provides a foundation or support for something else. For instance, "This research will "serve as a base for" future studies".

What can I say instead of "serve as a base for"?

Alternatives include "act as a foundation for", "provide a foundation for", or "form the basis of" depending on the specific context.

How does "serve as a base for" differ from "serve as a basis for"?

While similar, "serve as a base for" often implies a more tangible or structural foundation, whereas "serve as a basis for" suggests a more conceptual or informational foundation. The choice depends on the specific context of the sentence.

Is it correct to say "serving as a base for"?

Yes, "serving as a base for" is grammatically correct and can be used as a present participle phrase. For example, "The island, "serving as a base for" exploration, was crucial to the expedition".