a primary basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main reason or foundation for something, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "The study provides a primary basis for understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was also a primary basis for some of The Guardian's articles about the matter.

The New York Times

Her work is a primary basis for considering it a disease, rather than poor choices or immoral behavior".

The New York Times - Science

In this respect, biomonitoring data are increasingly becoming a primary basis for hazard identification as well as dose-response assessment.

Current Opinion in Toxicology

It is a primary basis for the plan approved in Richmond, under which Virginia would give Metro $154 million a year on condition that Maryland provides $167 million and the District commits to $178 million.

The Washington Post

This review highlights recent advances in developing full synthetic carbohydrate antigen based vaccines, with an emphasis on the structure-activity relationships that provide a primary basis for future vaccine design and immunotherapy developing.

Chinese Chemical Letters

"The Kemper County Energy Facility should not serve as a primary basis for new emissions standards impacting on all new coal-fired power plants". Even before the prospect of new climate change regulations, the US coal industry was being clobbered by the competition from cheap natural gas.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The key point seems to be why light rather than motion is elevated by Patrizi to the status of the primary basis for an a posteriori proof of God's existence as First Cause.

SEP

They are rarely, though, the sole or even primary basis for an attempt to justify the obligation to obey the law.

SEP

This includes not only large-scale multicenter trials, but also preclinical studies where in vivo imaging results may be the primary basis for proceeding with a large capital expenditure or abandoning an otherwise promising approach.

Circulation Research

This, then, was a case of sacredness constructed outside the context of organized religions and ongoing religious traditions, as well as a case of using secular laws as the primary basis for definitions of sacredness.

Religion

This fundamental distinction is the primary basis for the view that a visually triggered shift in the direction of gaze depends on the transfer of information from sensory cells in the superficial tier to premotor cells in the deep tier.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary basis for", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being supported or justified. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting something as "a primary basis for" something else when it is only one of several contributing factors. Ensure it genuinely holds significant weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary basis for" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the main reason, justification, or foundation for something. Ludwig AI shows its common usage across different domains, supporting its functionality as a connector between a concept and its core reasoning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary basis for" serves as a way to identify the core rationale behind a concept, action, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various formal and neutral registers, especially in scientific, academic, and journalistic contexts. Although "a primary basis for" is an acceptable grammatical construction, writers should ensure clarity and accuracy in its application, preventing overstatements and ensuring that the identified basis truly holds substantial weight. Consider alternatives like "a key foundation for" or "a principal reason for" to refine the message. By understanding the phrase's function and purpose, one can effectively and accurately convey the fundamental reasons supporting a particular idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key foundation for

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, highlighting its importance as a base.

a principal reason for

Focuses on the reasoning behind something, suggesting it's a main cause.

a major justification for

Highlights the act of defending or warranting something, adding a layer of argumentation.

a core rationale for

Stresses the underlying logic and fundamental principles.

a central underpinning of

Implies support and stability, emphasizing a structural role.

a fundamental premise of

Highlights the assumption on which an argument or idea is based.

the mainspring of

Suggests the driving force or essential cause.

the cornerstone of

Highlights the importance of the basic element upon which everything else depends.

a leading cause of

Indicates that something is a significant factor in bringing about a result.

a crucial factor in

Focuses on importance as influence in producing a result.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary basis for" to indicate the main reason or foundation upon which something is based. For instance, "Scientific evidence is "a primary basis for" the new policy."

What phrases can I use instead of "a primary basis for"?

You can use alternatives like "a key foundation for", "a principal reason for", or "a major justification for" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a primary basis for" and "a secondary basis for"?

Yes, "a primary basis for" indicates the most important or fundamental reason, while "a secondary basis for" refers to a less significant or supporting reason.

Can "a primary basis for" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal writing, "a primary basis for" can be used in less formal contexts if the situation calls for a precise and clear explanation of the main reason or justification.