bases
/BAH-ses/
foundations
Depicting the strong 'foundations' or underlying structure of a building.
bases(noun)
foundations
?underlying principles or structure
,bases
?physical locations, often in sports or military
principles
?core ideas
,groundwork
?initial planning
📝 In Action
Necesitamos revisar las bases del contrato antes de firmar.
B1We need to review the foundations (or terms) of the contract before signing.
El corredor llegó a la segunda bases sin problema.
A2The runner reached second base without a problem.
La ciencia moderna se apoya en bases sólidas de investigación.
C1Modern science rests upon solid foundations of research.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine Plural
Even though it ends in '-es', remember that 'bases' is the plural of 'la base' (feminine), so you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'las bases fuertes').
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract vs. Physical
Use 'bases' when talking about abstract foundations (like ideas or rules) and also for physical bases (like in baseball or a military camp).
Visualizing the action of establishing or 'basing' something upon a foundation.
bases(verb)
(that) you base
?present subjunctive, informal 'tú'
,(that) you rely
?present subjunctive, informal 'tú'
don't base
?negative imperative, informal 'tú'
📝 In Action
Espero que no bases tu decisión solo en rumores.
B1I hope that you don't base your decision only on rumors.
No bases tu argumento en información falsa.
B2Don't base your argument on false information. (Negative command)
Si bases tu plan en datos sólidos, tendrás éxito.
B1If you base your plan on solid data, you will succeed. (Used informally in a conditional structure)
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Use
This form ('bases') is used when expressing doubt, wishes, emotions, or necessity in the second part of a sentence, especially after phrases like 'Quiero que...' or 'Es importante que...'
Negative Commands
To tell someone (informally, 'tú') not to do something, you must use the present subjunctive form. The negative command for 'basar' is 'No bases'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: "No basaste tu argumento en hechos."
Correction: No bases tu argumento en hechos. (The 'tú' negative command needs the subjunctive ending, -es.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the 'E'
For regular verbs ending in -ar like 'basar', the subjunctive endings switch to 'e'. This is why 'tú basAs' (indicative) becomes 'tú basEs' (subjunctive).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bases
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'bases' as a negative command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bases' masculine or feminine?
When 'bases' is the plural noun (meaning foundations or principles), it is feminine, as it comes from 'la base'. When it is the verb form, it doesn't have a gender, but it refers to the informal 'tú' (you).
How do I know if 'bases' is the noun or the verb?
If you see a plural article before it (like 'las' or 'unas') or an adjective (like 'sólidas'), it is the noun. If you see it following a phrase like 'Espero que...' or 'No...' (as a command), it is the verb form.