a better basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"a better basis" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare one thing to another by implying that the thing mentioned first is better than the second thing. For example: We need to establish a better basis for our understanding of the subject matter.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But others, like Tao, say civic education is a better basis for social morality than ideology.

The Guardian

A better basis than speaking for the metaphor of voice in writing is singing.

The New Yorker

But sometimes, having the facts is a better basis for action.

The Economist

This may form a better basis for evaluation of regulatory effectiveness in the future.

International Journal of Information Management

Whether a student's parents went to college or not would be a better basis for affirmative action than skin color.

The New York Times

Juxtaposing variations will give students a better basis for giving you feedback on how effective you were.

Harvard University

The provision of more objective evidence would provide the international community with a better basis to pursue future legal action.

The Guardian

Their possible biosynthetic route from peptidyl tyrosine is critically evaluated to provide a better basis for unraveling their biological functions.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The company did not break out the contribution of those magazines, and Ms. Reif Cohen said she would have wanted a better basis for comparison.

The New York Times

Each is using the other, which turns out to be a better basis for intimacy and solidarity than the harsh politesse of the office.

The New York Times

Once there, I will have a better basis for assessing the quality of the games and might even see the attraction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a better basis", clearly state what the basis is for. This clarifies the purpose and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a better basis" without specifying what it's better than. Always provide a clear point of comparison to highlight the improvement or advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it highlights a superior foundation or justification for an action, belief, or decision, suggesting an improvement over an existing or implied alternative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a better basis" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies a superior or more reliable foundation for something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is often used to compare different options, advocating for the one that provides a stronger or more advantageous base. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news media, and formal communications, with a leaning towards professional and academic environments. When using "a better basis", ensure you clearly define what it's better than to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stronger foundation

Emphasizes the robustness and stability of the base.

a more solid footing

Highlights the stability and security provided by the foundation.

an improved groundwork

Focuses on the enhancement and advancement of the basic structure.

a superior platform

Suggests a higher quality and more advantageous base.

a more reliable starting point

Highlights the dependability and trustworthiness of the initial stage.

a firmer ground

Implies a more stable and secure position.

a more advantageous position

Focuses on the benefits and favorable circumstances.

a sounder argument

Focuses on presenting a more convincing argument.

a more informed judgment

Highlights that the judgement is now more informed.

a more credible premise

Emphasizes that premise is better sustained and more believable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a better basis" to suggest an improvement over a previous or existing foundation, such as, "Objective evidence provides "a better basis" for legal action than speculation."

What are some alternatives to "a better basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a stronger foundation", "a more solid footing", or "an improved groundwork", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "a better basis" is better than?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the comparison makes the statement more impactful and clear. Without context, it can be ambiguous. Providing context, like "Taxable income may be "a better basis" for measuring tax burden than other metrics", provides improved clarity.

What's the difference between "a better basis" and "a good basis"?

"A good basis" implies a satisfactory foundation, whereas "a better basis" suggests an improvement or preference over another existing option. It highlights a comparative advantage. For instance, "Longitudinal designs provide "a better basis" for evaluating causal associations than cross-sectional studies."