bases
B2Formal, Academic, Technical, Everyday (context-dependent)
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'base' (a foundation, support, or starting point) and the third person singular present tense of the verb 'to base' (to establish, found, or derive from).
In science, 'bases' are substances that can accept hydrogen ions (protons) or donate a pair of valence electrons. In military contexts, 'bases' are installations from which operations are conducted. In sports, 'bases' are the stations in games like baseball.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a homograph with two distinct pronunciations and meanings depending on whether it is the plural noun of 'base' (/ˈbeɪsɪz/) or the verb form of 'base' (/ˈbeɪsɪz/). Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The verb 'to base' is used identically. In sports, 'base' is more central to American culture (baseball), while in the UK, 'base' in rounders is less common.
Connotations
In military/political discourse, 'bases' often carries a stronger connotation of foreign power projection in American English due to the global presence of US military bases.
Frequency
The noun plural is high-frequency in both. The verb form is equally common. The scientific term 'base' (vs. acid) is standard in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to base something ON/UPON somethingto be based IN/AT a locationto have bases IN/AT/AROUND locationsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cover all the bases”
- “touch base”
- “off base”
- “get to first base”
- “load the bases”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company bases its strategy on market research. We need to touch base with the client next week.
Academic
The argument bases its conclusions on flawed data. Several military bases were analysed in the geopolitical study.
Everyday
The film is based on a true story. The team has bases in London and Madrid.
Technical
The software bases its calculations on a new algorithm. Strong bases, like sodium hydroxide, are highly corrosive.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The theory bases its assumptions on earlier work.
- She bases her characters on people she meets.
- The company bases its headquarters in Reading.
American English
- The decision bases its findings on the report.
- He bases his opinion on solid evidence.
- The show bases itself in New York City.
adverb
British English
- N/A (bases is not an adverb)
American English
- N/A (bases is not an adverb)
adjective
British English
- N/A (bases is not an adjective)
American English
- N/A (bases is not an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The army has many bases.
- The story is based on a book.
- The company has bases in three European countries.
- Her new plan is based on your suggestions.
- Negotiations broke down because they were based on mutual distrust.
- The country agreed to close two of its foreign naval bases.
- The prosecution's case bases its entire argument on circumstantial evidence.
- Deploying troops to forward operating bases carries significant logistical challenges.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'base' + 's' for plural (like 'places') and 'base' + 's' for 'he/she/it bases' (like 'faces'). Both sound the same but mean different things.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATIONS ARE BASES (for arguments, relationships, power). CENTRES OF OPERATIONS ARE BASES (for military, business).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'база' (base) when it means 'database' – in English, 'database' is one word or 'data base'.
- The verb 'to base' is not directly equivalent to 'базироваться'. English uses the passive 'is based on' more frequently.
- Do not translate 'основания' (reasons) as 'bases'. Use 'grounds' or 'reasons'.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing the noun plural as /ˈbeɪsiːz/ (like 'phases'). The correct pronunciation is /ˈbeɪsɪz/.
- Using 'basis' and 'base' interchangeably. 'Bases' is the plural of both, but 'base' refers to a physical/strategic foundation, while 'basis' is more abstract (e.g., on a regular basis).
- Incorrect preposition: 'based in' a city/country, 'based on' facts/ideas, 'based at' a specific building.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The scientist tested several strong _____ in the lab,' which word fits best?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both the plural noun and the third-person singular verb form are pronounced /ˈbeɪsɪz/.
'Bases' is the plural of both 'base' (a foundation/station) and 'basis' (a principle/reason). 'Basis' is singular and abstract (e.g., the basis for a decision). 'Base' is often more physical or strategic (e.g., a military base).
No, the standard and correct plural of 'basis' is 'bases' (pronounced /ˈbeɪsiːz/). 'Basises' is non-standard and should be avoided.
Look at the context and grammar. If it follows a determiner (the, our, many) or is the subject/object, it's a noun. If it follows a singular subject (he, she, it, the company) and has an object, it's a verb (e.g., 'He bases his claim on facts').