the very basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very basis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most fundamental level of something, such as a principle. For example: "The very basis of democracy is that all citizens have an equal say in decision making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It undermines the very basis of our democracy".

The Guardian

The very basis of the church comes crashing with it".

The Guardian

It is simply the very basis of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is the very basis of escapism and wish-fulfilment.

The Guardian - Opinion

It questions the very basis of theatre yet it uses theatre to do it.

The Guardian

The very basis for which they were being charged is now unlawful".

The New Yorker

"Clearly, the very basis of their work is wanting to build unity," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

For forests and mountains are the very basis of our natural life support processes.

The Guardian - Travel

That would damage the very basis on which we established diplomatic relations".

The New York Times

The affairs with other people formed the very basis of their relationship.

The New Yorker

"The smell of dirt forms the very basis of my childhood memories," Mr. Noda said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "the very basis" with strong verbs to convey the active role of the foundation, for example, "undermines the very basis" or "forms the very basis".

Common error

Avoid using "the very basis" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve readability. Sometimes, 'the foundation' or 'the principle' can be more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the fundamental or foundational aspect of a concept, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it describes core principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very basis" is a noun phrase that intensifies the concept of a foundation, emphasizing its critical importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As the numerous examples demonstrate, this phrase is common across various domains, particularly in news, science and encyclopedias. To enhance your writing, use this phrase when highlighting the foundational nature of an idea, but be mindful of potential redundancy in complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "fundamental principle" or "core foundation" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental principle

Replaces "basis" with "principle", emphasizing a guiding rule or belief.

the core foundation

Uses "core foundation" to highlight the central and supportive nature of the basis.

the underlying reason

Focuses on the causative aspect, suggesting a reason as the basis.

the essential element

Highlights the crucial and indispensable component of something.

the groundwork

Emphasizes the preparatory or initial stage serving as a basis.

the key component

Replaces "basis" with "component", focusing on a constituent part that is essential.

the root cause

Identifies the origin or primary factor leading to a situation.

the starting point

Emphasizes the initial stage from which something originates or develops.

the heart of the matter

Focuses on the central and most important aspect of a situation.

the essence

Condenses the idea to the most intrinsic and indispensable quality.

FAQs

How can I use "the very basis" in a sentence?

You can use "the very basis" to emphasize the fundamental nature of something, such as "Equality is "the very basis" of a just society".

What are some alternatives to "the very basis"?

Alternatives include "the fundamental principle", "the core foundation", or "the underlying reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the very basis"?

While "basis" alone implies a foundation, using "the very basis" can add emphasis, especially when you want to highlight the critical importance of that foundation. Ludwig AI says the phrase is correct and usable.

What's the difference between "the basis" and "the very basis"?

"The basis" refers to a general foundation, while "the very basis" intensifies the concept, indicating the most fundamental and essential element. Adding "very" amplifies the importance.