thin base

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin base" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is not very wide or deep at its base. For example, you could say "The thin base of the tree made it prone to toppling in strong winds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It must have a thin base.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Atop its thin base, the ice is painted, usually in a tone commonly called Broadcast Gray.

The New York Times - Sports

The five tops here, for wearing over a thin "base layer" for exercise, all have eco-friendly properties.

The New York Times

The flexibility of the screen is the result of a thin base of plastic that is used instead of glass as in conventional L.C.D.'s.

The New York Times - Tech

Pasta e fagioli, a special one night, was a disappointment: a thin base that tasted canned, was only dotted with pasta and, in my serving, was missing the cannelini; the beans are what I like in this homey soup.

The New York Times

The pan used should have a thin base if cooking on a gas flame, or if on a flat, electric heat, the pan must have a perfect contact with the source, for the faster the water heats up, the more efficient the timing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The dough is made fresh, daily, and the exemplarily thin bases have a good chew factor, a nice light char, and are topped with decent, fresh ingredients.

The Guardian - Travel

In case the RF hollow anode is operated with hydrocarbon, silane or other gases, it can also be employed for thin base-coatings or top-coatings on web material.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Sources seem pretty thin, based seemingly on stock analysis from places like WhatsTrading.com.

TechCrunch

The white nationalist movement dismisses mainstream conservatism's fixation on free-market capitalism and the Constitution, regarding them as thin bases for nationhood compared with white, European ancestry.

Huffington Post

Meconium was categorized into thick or thin, based on its naked-eye appearance, by the pediatrician or nurse attending the delivery.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "thin base" to clearly convey that the object's base is not wide or thick. This can be crucial for understanding the object's stability or design, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Common error

While "thin base" is appropriate for describing physical attributes, avoid using it metaphorically when a different term might be more precise. For instance, instead of saying "the argument has a thin base", consider "the argument is poorly supported".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin base" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective + noun combination. It serves to specify a characteristic of the noun, indicating that the base in question is not thick or wide. Ludwig examples show it describing pizza crusts, electronic devices, and geological layers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin base" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe objects or concepts with a narrow or shallow foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples spanning from pizza crusts to scientific applications. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where a precise physical description is needed, and writers should avoid overuse in abstract metaphorical contexts. By understanding its appropriate usage and potential alternatives, you can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender foundation

Replaces "thin" with "slender" and "base" with "foundation", emphasizing the narrowness and supporting nature.

narrow base

Substitutes "thin" with "narrow", highlighting the limited width of the base.

shallow base

Replaces "thin" with "shallow", focusing on the lack of depth of the base.

slight base

Uses "slight" instead of "thin", indicating a small or insignificant base.

minimal base

Emphasizes the reduced or essential nature of the base, using "minimal" as a substitute for "thin".

lean base

Replaces "thin" with "lean", suggesting a lack of excess material in the base.

fragile base

Substitutes "thin" with "fragile", indicating a base that is easily broken or damaged.

weak foundation

Replaces both words, suggesting a structural instability.

sparse base

Uses "sparse" to highlight the limited presence or density of the base.

unsubstantial base

Replaces "thin" with "unsubstantial" to highlight a lack of strength or solidity.

FAQs

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

You can use "thin base" to describe objects or structures that have a narrow or shallow foundation. For example, "The vase has a delicate, thin base that makes it prone to tipping over".

What is a synonym for "thin base"?

Synonyms for "thin base" include "slender foundation", "narrow base", or "shallow base", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "thin base" metaphorically?

While "thin base" is primarily used to describe physical objects, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that lacks a solid foundation. However, ensure the context is clear and the metaphor is effective.

What are some common objects that might be described as having a "thin base"?

Common objects described with "thin base" include vases, certain types of glassware, electronic devices like tablets mounted on stands, or even geological formations. Ludwig shows a wide range of applications for this phrase.