a basis on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basis on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or reasoning behind a decision, argument, or theory. Example: "The committee established a basis on which to evaluate the proposals submitted for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These measures serve as a tool to evaluate and to compare different algorithms designed to solve problems, such as noise reduction, deblurring, compression, etc. Consequently these measures serve as a basis on which one algorithm is preferred to another.

Image and Vision Computing

Governments are obligated to report to the UN, and, as I have shown, there is a basis on which one can criticize them for not fulfilling their health rights, also with regard to their economic policies.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Martin's killing is further evidence that for many Americans, innocence is no longer the default presumption and that something as organic as the color of one's skin, or as silly as one's choice of outer wear can be a basis on which they are judged, and in the case of Martin, according to Rivera, killed.

Huffington Post

The nearest they could get to one was the notion of the web as a "platform" – ie a basis on which software and applications could be built.

The Guardian - Tech

With legalisation there is a basis on which to start unpicking all of that.

The Guardian

His compromise ruling gives both sides a basis on which they might appeal.

The Guardian

They might finally have a basis on which to build the rest of their team.

The Guardian - Sport

But politicians who flit between parties scarcely offer a basis on which to run a stable government.

The Economist

Finally, in the longer term, if successful, they provide an account and an analysis of the events, and a basis on which future social policy might be built.

The Guardian - Opinion

Understood in those terms, class not only offers the left a basis on which to analyse society but also provides a strategy with which to change it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or, to put it another way, a recognition of class shouldn't be an alternative to combatting oppression so much as a basis on which oppression can be defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basis on which", ensure that the subsequent clause or phrase clearly outlines the specific action, decision, or conclusion that is based on the stated foundation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a basis on which" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "because" or "since" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basis on which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It connects a noun or concept to the reason, justification, or foundation upon which something else is predicated. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basis on which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is acceptable and conveys a sense of providing justification or a foundation for a subsequent action or decision. Predominantly found in science, news media, and encyclopedia sources, this phrase is typically suited for neutral to formal registers. When writing, be aware of simpler alternatives like "because" or "since" for less formal contexts. The wide array of examples available through Ludwig further clarifies the nuances and appropriate applications of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundation for

Focuses more on the foundational aspect rather than the subsequent action or decision.

a reason for

Emphasizes the justification or rationale behind something.

grounds for

Highlights the justification or legal standing for an action or decision.

a justification for

Specifically points to the act of justifying something.

a rationale for

Focuses on the underlying logic or reasoning.

a pretext for

Suggests a reason that might be a cover for a less obvious reason.

a starting point for

Emphasizes the initial stage or beginning of a process.

a platform for

Highlights the enabling aspect, suggesting a place from where something can be launched.

the justification upon which

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the reasoning.

the grounds upon which

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the justification.

FAQs

How can I use "a basis on which" in a sentence?

Use "a basis on which" to introduce the reason or justification for something. For example, "The data provided "a basis on which" to make informed decisions."

What are some alternatives to "a basis on which"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a foundation for", "a reason for", or "grounds for".

Is it better to use "a basis on which" or "based on"?

"A basis on which" is more formal and often used to introduce a more elaborate explanation. "Based on" is more concise and suitable for simpler sentences. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and complexity.

What's the difference between "a basis on which" and "a justification for"?

"A basis on which" suggests a foundation or reason, while "a justification for" specifically implies an attempt to defend or rationalize something. The former is more neutral, while the latter carries a stronger connotation of defense.