a certain basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific foundation or reasoning for an argument or decision, without specifying what that basis is. Example: "The committee made its decision on a certain basis that was not disclosed to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Like many biases, this one has a certain basis in fact.

The New Yorker

It is an acceptance that the future is uncertain, but that we can plan on a certain basis for it".

The New York Times

The current study could provide a certain basis for the nanofiltration separation of GAH and NAG on an industrial scale.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

For example, if it is possible to represent the scanned object sparsely in a certain basis, compressed sensing algorithms can often be used to obtain accurate reconstructions [10].

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

A differentiation matrix, (mathbf {D}), of size (n+1) in a certain basis is a nilpotent matrix of degree (n+1).

Mathematical Sciences

Therefore, this evaluation method provides a certain basis and reference for evaluating the sustainability of the water resource in karst regions.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The system's goal should be prompt disposition of cases on a fair and certain basis.

The New Yorker

The basic idea of the spectral methods is to express the approximate solution of the problem as a finite sum of certain basis functions (orthogonal polynomials or a combination of them) and then choose the coefficients in order to minimize the residual.

Advances in Difference Equations

The main idea of all versions of spectral methods is to express the approximate solution of the problem as a finite sum of certain basis functions (orthogonal polynomials or a combination of them) and then choose the coefficients in order to minimize the difference between the exact and approximate solutions as well as possible.

Advances in Difference Equations

In the case of many symbols, the natural relation between symbol and thing symbolized is not strong enough by itself to achieve the symbolism, and the conventional relation was entered into in order to effect a symbolism that already had a certain natural basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This requires a complexly cultural education, and a certain socioeconomic basis.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain basis" when you want to indicate that there is a specific reason or foundation for something, but you don't need or want to explicitly state what that reason is. This can be useful for maintaining confidentiality or avoiding unnecessary detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain basis" in situations where the basis should be clear to the reader. If the basis is important, provide the specific details instead of using vague language. Using it too often without context can make your writing seem evasive or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain basis" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically used to indicate that something is grounded in a specific, though unspecified, rationale or foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain basis" is grammatically correct and used to indicate that something is founded on a specific, but not necessarily stated, rationale. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is acceptable and serves the purpose of providing a justification while keeping the specific reasoning vague. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While useful for implying that further explanation could be given without being direct, overuse without clear context can be confusing. Consider alternatives like "a specific rationale" or "a particular foundation" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific rationale

Focuses on the reasoning or justification behind something, emphasizing clarity.

a particular foundation

Highlights the underlying support or groundwork upon which something is built.

a definite ground

Emphasizes the firmness and assuredness of the basis.

a given premise

Implies an assumption or starting point that is accepted as true.

a set principle

Highlights adherence to a fixed rule or standard.

an established reason

Suggests a well-recognized or widely accepted cause.

a concrete justification

Emphasizes tangible evidence supporting a claim.

a firm justification

Highlights the strength and defensibility of the reason.

a clear rationale

Focuses on the lucidity and comprehensibility of the basis.

a solid ground

Emphasizes the reliability and strength of the underlying reason.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain basis" to indicate that a decision, argument, or conclusion relies on a specific reason or foundation, without explicitly stating what that reason is. For example: "The decision was made on "a certain basis" that remains confidential".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a specific rationale", "a particular foundation", or "a definite ground" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a certain basis" or state the basis explicitly?

It depends on the context. If the specific reason is essential for understanding and can be disclosed, it's better to state it explicitly. Use "a certain basis" when the specific reason is confidential, complex, or not immediately relevant.

What does it mean when something is done "on a certain basis"?

It means that the action or decision is justified or supported by a specific reason or foundation, even if that reason is not fully disclosed. It implies there is a valid justification, even if it's not immediately apparent.