a basis of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basis of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the foundation or underlying principle of something. Example: "The theory is built on a basis of extensive research and empirical evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

various firms on a basis of reciprocity.

The New Yorker

"This is a basis of a good race," Schumacher said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We can do this on a basis of mutual respect".

The New York Times

The establishment of standard grades furnishes a basis of trade.

Britannica

Defective protein folding as a basis of human disease.

Nature

This will provide a basis of gas explosion control research.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

People who cooperate do not have a basis of peace on destruction.

The New York Times

They are therefore expecting an advance payment in order to establish a basis of trust".

The Guardian

If the evidence exists, it would provide a basis of certainty for proceeding to attack Iraq.

The New York Times

But regrouping numbers is a basis of higher math (like factoring in algebra).

The New York Times

Banks use Libor as a basis of swap rates – the borrowing rate between financial institutions.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basis of", ensure the context clearly indicates that it refers to a fundamental principle, reason, or starting point. For instance, "Trust is a basis of social network services" clearly demonstrates the foundational role of trust.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a basis of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "because of", "from", or "due to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basis of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig shows it qualifies verbs or nouns, indicating the reason, foundation, or justification for an action or state. It introduces the grounds on which something is established or determined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a basis of" serves as a foundational element for establishing reasons, justifications, or grounds in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields, particularly science, news, and academia. While it's versatile, being mindful of its formality in informal settings is crucial. Consider alternatives like "a foundation for" or "a rationale for" to adjust the tone. It’s widely used to provide explanations and rationales, making it a valuable tool in analytical and considered discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundation for

Replaces "basis" with "foundation", emphasizing the supporting structure role.

a groundwork for

Substitutes "basis" with "groundwork", highlighting preparatory work.

a starting point for

Emphasizes the initiation aspect, replacing "basis" with "starting point".

a rationale for

Focuses on the justification aspect, using "rationale" instead of "basis".

a justification for

Replaces "basis" with "justification", emphasizing a valid reason.

a premise for

Substitutes "basis" with "premise", highlighting a presupposition or ground.

a reason for

Focuses on cause and effect by utilizing "reason" instead of "basis".

a source of

Highlights the origin of something, using "source" instead of "basis".

a ground for

Replaces "basis" with "ground", emphasizing a firm reason or cause.

an underlayment for

More formal substitution, focusing on a structural layer beneath something.

FAQs

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

Use "a basis of" to indicate the foundation, justification, or underlying principle for something. For example, "This decision was made on "a basis of" thorough research".

What are some alternatives to "a basis of"?

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

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

Yes, "on the basis of" is a common and correct phrase that provides a similar meaning. For instance, "Decisions should be made on "a basis of" what is right for individual students" is similar to "Decisions should be made on the basis of what is right for individual students".

What's the difference between "a basis of" and "the basis of"?

"A basis of" suggests one of multiple possible foundations, while "the basis of" implies a specific or primary foundation. For example, "Creativity like new ideas is "a basis of" making new products" suggests creativity is one aspect, whereas "Creativity is the basis of making new products" implies it is the sole foundation.