What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
substrate
Example
The bacteria grew on the substrate of agar in the petri dish. [substrate: noun]
Example
The enzyme requires a specific substrate to catalyze the reaction. [substrate: noun]
Example
The coral reef provides a substrate for various marine organisms. [substrate: noun]
base
Example
The company's success was built on a strong base of loyal customers. [base: noun]
Example
The theory is based on the fundamental principles of physics. [based: verb]
Example
Ammonia is a base that can accept a proton to form a conjugate acid. [base: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Base is more commonly used than substrate in everyday language, as it has broader usage and can be applied to a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between substrate and base?
Both substrate and base can be used in scientific or technical contexts, but substrate may be perceived as more formal due to its specific usage in biology and chemistry.
