a poor basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the inadequacy or unsuitability of a foundation or reasoning for a particular argument or decision. Example: "The lack of evidence provided is a poor basis for making such a significant decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

So it's a poor basis for channel design.

Harvard Business Review

The term "ethnic Hungarian" is convenient journalistic shorthand but a poor basis for legislation.

The Economist

Unfortunately, opinion polling on this is superficial (the question is in effect, "are you for or against the national religion?") and a poor basis for policy.

Independent

Many forest experiments test for nutrient limitation in replicated fertilization trials at one or several locations, providing a poor basis for extrapolation across large landscapes.

Forest Ecology and Management

This is problematic, since it provides students of these disciplines with a poor basis for reflecting on epistemological and methodological perspectives.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

But moral outrage has turned out to be a poor basis for policy.America's illegal-drugs policy is a dismal re-run of its attempt to prohibit the sale of alcoholNowhere is that more evident than in the United States.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

That is a desperately poor basis for sound financial planning.

The Guardian - Money

Students with a better mathematics basis were also more positive than those with a poor basis.

BMC Medical Education

These concerns included: the poor analytical basis for interventions; late delivery of response; the absence of impact assessment; and a failure to address livelihoods adequately in emergency response.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

The very poor factual basis for this estimate should be recognized.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

As for vouchers, they should be available on a means-tested basis for poor children at risk of failure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a poor basis for", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being built upon the inadequate foundation. For example, "Relying solely on anecdotal evidence is a poor basis for policy decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "a poor basis for" when the issue is merely a minor inconvenience or preference. Reserve it for situations where the inadequacy significantly impacts the outcome or validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor basis for" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular foundation, reason, or rationale is inadequate or deficient. It serves to express criticism or doubt regarding the soundness of something as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a poor basis for" is a phrase used to express that something lacks a solid foundation or justification. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to criticize the reliability or validity of something, such as a plan, policy, or argument. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "an inadequate foundation for" or "a weak justification for", it's important to reserve "a poor basis for" for situations where the inadequacy significantly impacts the outcome. Despite being an uncommon phrase, it is usable and correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inadequate foundation for

Emphasizes the lack of a solid or sufficient foundation.

a weak justification for

Highlights the lack of a strong rationale or defense.

an insufficient reason for

Focuses on the inadequacy of the reason provided.

a flawed premise for

Points out the presence of a fundamental flaw in the underlying premise.

a shaky ground for

Suggests instability and uncertainty in the foundation.

a tenuous rationale for

Indicates that the rationale is weak and easily challenged.

an unreliable foundation for

Emphasizes the unreliability of the basis.

a questionable justification for

Raises doubts about the validity of the justification.

an unsound basis for

Highlights the lack of soundness or validity.

a flimsy excuse for

Implies that the basis is weak and unconvincing.

FAQs

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

Use "a poor basis for" to express that something lacks a solid foundation or justification. For example, "Superficial research is a poor basis for drawing definitive conclusions."

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

You can use alternatives like "an inadequate foundation for", "a weak justification for", or "an insufficient reason for" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a poor basis to" instead of "a poor basis for"?

While both prepositions can follow "basis", "for" is the standard and more appropriate choice in this context. "To" usually indicates direction or purpose, whereas "for" indicates the recipient or beneficiary. Therefore, saying "a poor basis for" is more idiomatic and correct.

What's the difference between "a poor basis for" and "a weak basis for"?

Both phrases express a lack of solidity. "Poor" suggests a more fundamental inadequacy, while "weak" indicates a lack of strength or resilience. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.