strong base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong base" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to describe a type of chemical substance or material.
It refers to a substance that has a high pH and can accept or neutralize hydrogen ions in a chemical reaction. Example: "The chemist added a few drops of a strong base to the solution to neutralize the acidity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have no strong base.

The New York Times

He has got a very strong base out there.

The New York Times

That's building a really strong base in our 9th grade".

The New York Times

"Schundler's strong base gives him a big advantage in a multi-candidate field," Professor Marbach said.

The New York Times

Until 2003, they had refuge and a strong base by the border with Iran.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody dismisses the fact that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has a large, strong base of supporters.

The New York Times

Mr. Ciotti has a strong base in the district, which has re-elected him three times.

The New York Times

Bank shares weakened but miners gained on strong base metal and bullion prices.

The New York Times

That's not to say the governor doesn't have a strong base of support here.

The New York Times

So we do have a strong base on which to build further.

The Guardian

The PO43− ion is a moderately strong base, so orthophosphate salts form strongly basic solutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In political or social contexts, clarify the nature of the support being described. Is it a large group of loyal voters, a network of influential donors, or a foundation of shared values?

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "strong base" automatically implies a large base. Strength refers to the intensity of support or the reliability of the foundation, not necessarily its numerical size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong base" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strong" modifies the noun "base". It describes something that provides a solid and reliable foundation or a substance with a high pH, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Huffington Post

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong base" is a versatile term with applications ranging from chemistry to politics. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Whether describing a highly alkaline substance or a solid foundation of support, the phrase implies reliability and intensity. While used across many domains, "strong base" appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Remembering to differentiate strength from mere size when using this phrase ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid foundation

Emphasizes the stability and reliability aspect of a base.

firm grounding

Highlights the aspect of being well-established and secure.

robust bedrock

Stresses the strength and unyielding nature of the base.

powerful support

Focuses on the base's ability to provide significant assistance or backing.

substantial backing

Indicates a large or significant amount of support.

considerable groundwork

Highlights the amount of preparatory work that constitutes the base.

unshakeable support

Emphasizes the unwavering and steadfast nature of the backing.

impregnable fortress

Suggests a base that is highly resistant to attack or penetration.

imposing structure

Focuses on the impressive and commanding nature of the base.

well-developed infrastructure

Highlights the comprehensive and advanced nature of the underlying systems.

FAQs

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

The phrase "strong base" can describe a chemical compound (e.g., "Sodium hydroxide is a "strong base"") or a solid foundation (e.g., "The company built a "strong base" of loyal customers").

What are some synonyms for "strong base" in a figurative sense?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "solid foundation", "firm grounding", or "robust bedrock" as alternatives to "strong base".

Is "strong base" grammatically correct?

Yes, "strong base" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both scientific and general contexts. It follows standard English grammar rules.

What is the difference between a "strong base" and a "weak base" in chemistry?

In chemistry, a "strong base" completely dissociates into ions in a solution, while a "weak base" only partially dissociates. This difference affects their pH levels and reactivity.