a basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when introducing the basis for a particular decision or opinion. For example, "This study provides a basis for understanding the changing dynamics of the global economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"There is a basis for this movement.

The New York Times

Is there a basis for skepticism?

The New York Times - Sports

And yet there's a basis for Cruella.

The New York Times

It is not a basis for judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a basis for stable government".

The Guardian

I do believe that there is a basis for resolution.

The Guardian

-- that would be a basis for attacking him," he said.

The New York Times

"Now," he added, "we have a basis for comparison".

The New York Times

So yes, there's a basis for the bitterness.

The Guardian - Sport

As a basis for satire, that's a non-starter.

The Guardian - Books

Some judgments need time and a basis for comparison.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basis for", ensure the connection between the stated basis and the subsequent conclusion or action is clear and logical.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something provides "a basis for" something else, it is the sole cause. Often, multiple factors contribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basis for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the foundation, reason, or justification supporting a subsequent idea, action, or conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basis for" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce the underlying reason or justification for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used. Its prevalence across diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and formal business documents underscores its broad applicability. While alternatives such as "a rationale for" or "grounds for" exist, "a basis for" offers a balanced and widely accepted way to establish a foundation for further discussion or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A rationale for

This alternative focuses on the reasoning or justification behind something, highlighting the logical aspect.

A foundation for

This alternative emphasizes the idea of something being built upon a solid groundwork or starting point.

A justification for

This alternative suggests a need to defend or explain why something is the way it is.

A reason for

This alternative offers a straightforward explanation for the existence or occurrence of something.

Grounds for

This alternative implies a set of circumstances or facts that support a particular action or belief.

A starting point for

This alternative emphasizes the initial stage or beginning of a process or discussion.

A premise for

This alternative indicates an assumption or proposition that serves as the basis for an argument or theory.

An excuse for

This alternative offers a reason to explain improper behavior.

A pretext for

This alternative suggests a false or misleading reason used to conceal the true motive.

A point of departure for

This alternative highlights the beginning stage for further development or discussion.

FAQs

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

Use "a basis for" to introduce the foundation, reason, or justification for an idea, argument, or action. For example, "This research provides "a basis for" future policy changes."

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

You can use alternatives such as "a rationale for", "a foundation for", or "grounds for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the basis of" instead of "a basis for"?

While "the basis of" is also correct, it emphasizes the fundamental nature or essence of something. "A basis for" suggests one of potentially many reasons or justifications. For example: "Honesty is the basis of trust" versus "This evidence provides "a basis for" further investigation."

What's the difference between "a basis for" and "an excuse for"?

"A basis for" suggests a legitimate reason or justification. "An excuse for", on the other hand, often implies a weak or insincere reason used to explain or defend something.