如何区别base 和basis?

Base 和basis 都有基础的含义,如何恰当地使用和区别是许多英语学习者遇到的一个难题。

Base的基本意思是“底座”和“底层”;而basis 则侧重理解为“依据”,“根据”,即作为事物的起点或其一个重要部分,从它可以得到进一步发展。

信任是建立工作关系的唯一基础。

Trust is the only basis for building a working relationship.

(信任是主要的根基,由此还可以发展出更广泛的联系)

但是:His arguments have a sound economic base. 他的论点有充分的经济上基础/根据。

These policies have a broad base of support. 这些政策受到广泛支持。

(强调的是底层基础和依靠。)

You are a bit off base. 你搞错了。(你说的与实际有些差距。)

(be off base 离谱,大错特错)

Be sure to make all your bases covered before setting out. 在出发前务必做好所有的准备。

(cover all the bases 做好所有的准备)

I need to touch base with my manager for his okay.

这个需要我经理同意,我问他一下。

(touch base 与某人接触,告知某事的相关情况)

The company has been expanding its customer base using trade magazine advertising.

这家公司一直通过商业杂志广告来扩大客户群。

(base: group of regular clients or customers <客户> 群)

Just before cooking, drain off any excess marinade and use it as a base for a sauce.

临烹饪前,沥干多余的腌汁,用它做调味汁的主要配料。

(base: a substance such as paint or food to which other substances can be added. 主要配料)

但是,下列用法一般经常用basis

She was chosen for the job on the basis of her qualifications. 她因资历适合而获选担任这项工作。

(basis: the reason why people take a particular action 原因;缘由)

They want all groups to be treated on an equal basis. 他们要求所有的群体都能得到平等的对待。

(sth. done according to a method, system, or principle. 按…原则; 以…方式)

类似的还有:on a daily basis; on a regular basis; on a first-name basis(亲近,直呼其名))

Japan is attempting to secure the legal basis to send troops overseas. 日本设法取得向海外派遣军队的法律依据。

(a fact or argument that you can use to prove or justify it. 依据,根据)