a possible basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a foundation or starting point for an idea, argument, or theory that may or may not be valid. Example: "This research provides a possible basis for further studies on the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The department "continues to view domestic violence as a possible basis for asylum," a department spokesman, Matthew Chandler, said.

The New York Times

The first time in the book that Gordimer acknowledges gender as a possible basis for oppression (it didn't make the list in 1985) is 1997.

The Guardian - Books

Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said today that Israel had endorsed a report of a committee led by former Senator George J. Mitchell as a possible basis for stopping violence and resuming peace talks.

The New York Times

I believe monitored enrichment on Iranian soil in the name of what Obama called Iran's "right to peaceful nuclear power" remains a possible basis for an agreement that blocks weaponization.

The New York Times

1], the Ambassadors, as a result of their meeting, telegraphed, it is understood, that the Turkish reply to the collective Note of the Powers afforded a possible basis for resuming peace negotiations.

The New York Times

The breakthrough was greeted with excitement by scientists, who nonetheless cautioned that it remained a significant proof of principle and a possible basis for new treatments, rather than a guarantee of an Alzheimer's cure in the near future.

Independent

"Although each case is highly fact-dependent and requires scrutiny of the specific threat an applicant faces," said Matt Chandler, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, "the department continues to view domestic violence as a possible basis for asylum in the United States".

The New York Times

A1 Israel Backs Mitchell Report Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said Israel had endorsed a report of a committee led by former Senator George Mitchell as a possible basis for stopping violence and resuming peace talks, but he rejected a recommendation for a freeze on the building of Jewish settlements.

The New York Times

It is understood it would have included a cut to the basic pay rise the Government has offered junior doctors, would have been "cost-neutral", and that NHS officials considered it a possible basis for resolving the dispute and averting the strike.

Independent

The physiology prize (or "prize for physiology or medicine", as it is known in the citation) is for the discovery of a phenomenon called RNA interference, which helps cells fight off viral infections and is widely touted as a possible basis for a new class of drugs.

The Economist

That leaves acquisition or improved operating results as a possible basis for buying.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possible basis", clearly state what you are basing on this possibility. Providing context helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a possible basis" as a definitive cause or solution. Qualify it with words like "may", "could", or "might" to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible basis" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a potential foundation, reason, or justification for something. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various domains, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a possible basis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a potential reason or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse fields. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, avoid overstating its certainty; qualify it with words like "may" or "could". Alternatives include "a potential foundation" or "a feasible justification", depending on your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential foundation

Emphasizes the underlying structure or groundwork that something could be built upon.

a feasible justification

Highlights the reason or rationale behind an action or decision, suggesting it is reasonable.

a conceivable rationale

Focuses on the logical explanation that makes something understandable or acceptable.

a plausible explanation

Suggests a reason that is believable and could be true, but not necessarily proven.

a hypothetical starting point

Implies a beginning or origin that is based on an assumption or speculation.

a theoretical framework

Indicates a set of ideas or principles used to organize and understand something.

a preliminary assumption

Highlights an initial belief or supposition made before further investigation.

a suggested explanation

Presents an idea or reason that is proposed for consideration but not yet confirmed.

a tentative hypothesis

Describes a provisional idea or explanation that requires further testing and validation.

an underlying premise

Focuses on the fundamental proposition or assumption that supports an argument or theory.

FAQs

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

You can use "a possible basis" to introduce a reason, explanation, or foundation for an idea. For instance, "This study provides "a possible basis" for future research."

What are some alternatives to "a possible basis"?

Alternatives include "a potential foundation", "a feasible justification", or "a plausible explanation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a possible basis" in writing?

Use "a possible basis" when you want to suggest a potential reason or explanation without asserting it as a definite fact. It's useful in academic writing, reports, and discussions where you explore possibilities.

What is the difference between "a possible basis" and "the definitive basis"?

"A possible basis" suggests one potential reason among others, while "the definitive basis" implies a conclusive, established reason. Use the former when exploring options and the latter when stating a proven fact.