a basis for comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basis for comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing criteria or standards that will be used to evaluate or analyze different items, ideas, or situations. Example: "To understand the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy, we need to establish a basis for comparison with last year's results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Some judgments need time and a basis for comparison.

The New Yorker

While different scholars have different opinions, all use "Cleopatra" as a basis for comparison.

The New York Times - Arts

Three plots in nearby forests provided a basis for comparison.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

But Europeans get neither an accurate picture nor a basis for comparison.

The Economist

It's a number people understand as a basis for comparison, she said.

The New York Times

Bringing multiple prototypes to the field to test gives users a basis for comparison, and comparisons often reveal latent needs.

Stanford University

The results of these models provide a basis for comparison with more conventional mitigation technologies.

Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies - 6th International Conference Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 1 – 4 October 2002, Kyoto, Japan

Grade 2 (99 wt%) titanium was used as a basis for comparison.

Wear

Also different WTE performance techniques are included to provide a basis for comparison of different technologies.

Energy

The reforming reactions of n-hexane are used as a basis for comparison between catalysts.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basis for comparison", ensure that the items you are comparing are relevant to each other and that the comparison provides meaningful insights. State the specific attributes you are using as "a basis for comparison".

Common error

Avoid using "a basis for comparison" without clearly specifying what the basis is. Saying "We need a basis for comparison" without defining the criteria leaves the statement weak and open to misinterpretation. Provide concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basis for comparison" functions primarily as a noun phrase that introduces the foundation or rationale for making a comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basis for comparison" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the standard or rationale for making a comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is found extensively in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember to specify clearly the criteria or standards being used. Alternatives such as "a standard for comparison" or "a point of reference" can be used depending on the specific context. Ensuring clarity and relevance is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ground for comparison

Changes "basis" to "ground", emphasizing the underlying reason for making a comparison.

a standard for comparison

Replaces "basis" with "standard", highlighting the use of a specific metric for comparison.

a framework for comparison

Substitutes "basis" with "framework", focusing on the structured approach to comparison.

a benchmark for comparison

Replaces "basis" with "benchmark", which implies a point of reference.

a point of comparison

Replaces "basis" with "point", focusing on a specific aspect used for comparing.

a reference point for comparison

Highlights that it's a point to which other things can be compared.

a yardstick for comparison

Uses "yardstick" to indicate a measure or standard used for assessing differences.

a point of reference

Simplifies the phrase to just "point of reference", implying a comparison can be made.

comparative reference

Uses the adjective "comparative" to directly relate the reference to comparison.

comparative foundation

Focuses on the comparative aspect as a foundation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a basis for comparison" to introduce the criteria or standard used to evaluate different subjects. For instance, "The study established historical data as "a basis for comparison" for current market trends".

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

Alternatives include "a standard for comparison", "a point of reference", or "a framework for comparison". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a basis for comparison" and "a point of comparison"?

"A basis for comparison" refers to the fundamental reason or method used to compare, while "a point of comparison" refers to a specific aspect or feature that is being compared. They can often be used interchangeably, but "a basis" implies a broader rationale.

Why is it important to establish "a basis for comparison"?

Establishing "a basis for comparison" ensures that evaluations are objective and consistent. Without a defined basis, comparisons can be subjective and lack credibility.