a reasonable basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or foundation for a decision, argument, or belief. Example: "The committee found that there was a reasonable basis for approving the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Once again, the Court was not presented with evidence of a reasonable basis for these fears.

The New York Times

"This provides a reasonable basis for us to work on," said a spokesman.

The Guardian

The rules say that price objectives for a stock should be made "with a reasonable basis".

The New York Times

One of the most difficult problems in taxing property is determining a reasonable basis of assessment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The question is whether Mr Piketty had a reasonable basis for making the judgments he did.

The Economist

The manual states, for example, that "in making a recommendation a member must have a reasonable basis for the recommendation".

The New York Times

If this is the real issue, then we have a reasonable basis for negotiation with the European commission.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The courts have started to look at whether or not someone has a reasonable basis to register that name".

The New York Times

"Under securities laws, an analyst has to have a reasonable basis for his opinion," Mr. Lowenfels said.

The New York Times

In the profile of Mr. Burke, the kibbutz reference created a reasonable basis for using the Irish Catholic label.

The New York Times

But at least it was a reasonable basis for a conversation and is far better than its most prominent competitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable basis", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the basis is and why it is considered reasonable. Provide specific details or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable basis" without providing any supporting evidence or justification. The 'reasonableness' needs to be demonstrated, not just asserted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable basis" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject complement or object of a verb, indicating the justification or foundation for an action, belief, or decision. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable basis" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys the idea of a justifiable foundation or rationale. Ludwig AI confirms that it's often found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using the phrase, provide clear support for what constitutes the 'reasonableness' to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a valid justification" or "a sound rationale" can offer slight variations in emphasis. The expression's widespread usage across reputable sources underscores its validity and importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason or argument.

a sound rationale

Highlights the logical and coherent nature of the reasoning behind something.

a legitimate ground

Focuses on the lawfulness and permissibility of the basis.

a solid foundation

Stresses the strength and reliability of the underlying support.

a valid premise

Highlights the acceptability and truthfulness of the initial statement or assumption.

a defensible argument

Emphasizes that the argument can be supported and justified against criticism.

a tenable position

Highlights that the position is capable of being maintained or defended against attack or objection.

a good cause

Highlights the moral or ethical justification for a particular action or belief.

a sufficient reason

Emphasizes that the reason is adequate and convincing enough.

an adequate justification

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the explanation to defend or support an action or decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable basis" to indicate that there's a valid justification for a decision, belief, or action. For example, "The court determined that there was "a reasonable basis" for the search warrant."

What's an alternative to saying "a reasonable basis"?

Alternatives include "a valid justification", "a sound rationale", or "a legitimate ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a very reasonable basis"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" to ""a reasonable basis"" can be redundant. The inherent meaning of 'reasonable' already implies a sufficient level of justification. Consider whether the added emphasis is truly necessary.

What distinguishes "a reasonable basis" from "probable cause"?

"A reasonable basis" generally suggests a logical or justifiable reason, while 'probable cause' is a legal standard requiring sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed. Probable cause is a higher standard than simply "a reasonable basis", often used in legal contexts such as obtaining search warrants.