The basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the foundation or underlying reason for something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The basis for our decision to proceed with the project was the positive feedback from the initial survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basis for it all is that.

The New York Times

The basis for this striking conclusion?

Forbes

(The basis for (d′) is obvious.

SEP

The basis for arrest?

Vice

The basis for the movie Minority Report.

Wikipedia

The basis for protest is slimmer still.

Huffington Post

The basis for this discrepancy is unclear.

Plosone

The basis for this is not understood.

Plosone

The basis for this identification was twofold.

Plosone

The basis for this trend is unknown.

Plosone

The basis for entitlement is insurance status.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "The basis for", ensure that the connection between the stated basis and the subsequent conclusion or action is clear and logical. Avoid ambiguity by specifying precisely what the basis entails.

Common error

Avoid using "The basis for" without providing sufficient evidence or explanation to support the claim. A weak or unsubstantiated basis undermines the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The basis for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the foundation, reason, or justification for something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to explain the reasons behind actions, decisions, or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The basis for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce the underlying reasons or justifications for a particular action, belief, or phenomenon. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and provide sufficient support to avoid vagueness and enhance credibility. Alternatives such as "the foundation for" or "the rationale for" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The foundation for

Replaces 'basis' with 'foundation', emphasizing the structural support or groundwork.

The rationale for

Substitutes 'basis' with 'rationale', highlighting the logical justification or reasoning behind something.

The justification for

Uses 'justification' instead of 'basis', focusing on the reasons that defend or excuse something.

The reason for

Replaces 'basis' with 'reason', indicating a cause or explanation.

The grounds for

Substitutes 'basis' with 'grounds', suggesting the facts or circumstances that form a foundation.

The origin of

Focuses on the starting point or source, which implies the underlying reason.

The cause of

Highlights the event or circumstance that directly leads to something else.

The root of

Emphasizes the fundamental source or origin of something, often implying a deeper or less obvious connection.

The underlying principle of

Replaces the phrase with a more formal expression, highlighting the guiding rule or concept.

The motivation behind

Shifts the focus to the driving force or reason that inspires an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "The basis for" in a sentence?

"The basis for" introduces the foundation or reason behind a decision, argument, or phenomenon. For example: "The basis for our appeal was the flawed data collection method."

What are some alternatives to using "The basis for"?

You can use alternatives like "the foundation for", "the rationale for", or "the reason for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "the basis of" or "The basis for"?

"The basis of" typically refers to the fundamental nature or core element of something, while "The basis for" indicates the justification or reason for something else. For example: "Trust is the basis of any relationship" vs. "The basis for the lawsuit is breach of contract."

What is the difference between "the reason for" and "The basis for"?

While similar, "the reason for" often points to a direct cause, whereas "The basis for" can imply a broader underlying justification or set of conditions. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.