a proper basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or justification for an argument, decision, or action. Example: "To ensure the success of the project, we need to establish a proper basis for our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I just want singers to have a proper basis to make their own decisions.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet Mr Diller is confident that participation can never be a proper basis for the media industry.

The Economist

William McCormick QC, for Rangers, told the judge: "They [Sports Direct] simply will not deal with us on a proper basis.

The Guardian - Business

Note: This post has been updated because the original version failed to give a proper basis for comparison of temperature changes.

The New York Times

"Without a proper basis for admission, these untestable, unreliable hearsay statements had no place in a criminal trial, and their admission alone compels reversal," Mr. Gupta's lawyers wrote.

The New York Times

I have no idea whether there was a proper basis for the beliefs to which May refers, but even if one assumes there was, such beliefs do not justify the use of the schedule 7 power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A related contemporary development, pursued by William Alston and others, is the claim that religious experience constitutes an entirely proper basis for religious beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

District Judge Nicholas Evans ruled here today that "there is a good and proper basis for prosecuting them in the United States".

The New York Times

"We have been very steadfast because we know we've made this decision on a factual and proper basis.

The Guardian

Evans not as a parallel to the case at hand but as a case that established the proper basis of review for the law at issue.

Huffington Post

In Arnauld's direct attack on TNG, he says again and again that Malebranche relies on principles that have neither a proper theological basis in Scripture and tradition, nor a proper philosophical basis in reason.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal documents, follow "a proper basis" with a 'for' phrase specifying what it supports, enhancing clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper basis" without specifying what the basis pertains to. A sentence like "There's a proper basis" lacks context and leaves the reader wondering what the basis supports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper basis" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It indicates the presence of a legitimate or valid foundation for an action, belief, or decision, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper basis" is a noun phrase that denotes a valid or legitimate foundation, most commonly used in News & Media and Science contexts. It is deemed grammatically correct and, while not overly frequent, its presence signifies the importance of justification and rationale. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase often serves to validate arguments or decisions by providing a concrete foundation. Remember to use it when you want to underscore the legitimacy or soundness of something with a clear and justifiable reason.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sound foundation

Emphasizes the strength and stability of the underlying support.

a solid groundwork

Focuses on the preparatory work that establishes a firm starting point.

a legitimate reason

Highlights the lawfulness and acceptability of the justification.

a valid justification

Stresses the correctness and defensibility of the rationale.

a reasonable rationale

Emphasizes the logical and understandable nature of the explanation.

an adequate justification

Focuses on whether the explanation is sufficient or not.

a suitable rationale

Highlights the appropriateness of the explanation.

a correct justification

Highlights the accuracy of the explanation.

a well-founded reason

Focuses on that the reason comes from solid foundations.

a just cause

Highlights the ethical and moral correctness of the cause.

FAQs

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

Use "a proper basis" to indicate that something has a valid or legitimate foundation. For example, "The study provided "a proper basis" for the new regulations."

What's a good alternative to "a proper basis"?

Alternatives include "a sound foundation", "a valid justification", or "a legitimate reason", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "proper basis" or "adequate basis"?

"Proper basis" suggests something is correct and suitable, while "adequate basis" suggests it's just sufficient. Choose the term that best reflects the strength of the foundation you're describing.

What does it mean when someone says something lacks "a proper basis"?

It means there is no valid or legitimate justification for it. It is also similar to the meaning of the phrase "without foundation", indicating that something is without support or merit.