a reasonable basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or foundation for a decision, argument, or action. Example: "The committee found a reasonable basis for approving the new policy after reviewing the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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 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

"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

For his part, Mr. Green insisted that a candidate's public record provided a reasonable basis for scrutiny and, if necessary, strong questions about Mr. Cuomo.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court reversed that decision, saying that apportionment of liability is appropriate so long as there is a reasonable basis for determining the contribution of each wrongdoer.

The New York Times

"A reasonable basis for denying a sublet is that the tenant really has no intention of returning to the apartment," Mr. Scherer said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable basis for", ensure that the basis is clearly articulated and supported by evidence. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid presenting a weak or speculative connection as "a reasonable basis for". Ensure the link between the basis and the conclusion is logical and well-supported; otherwise, you risk undermining your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable basis for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the justification, grounds, or rationale for a subsequent action, decision, or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable basis for" serves as a crucial phrase in justifying decisions, actions, or beliefs by providing a logical foundation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. The phrase aims to persuade or inform, presenting a sensible rationale supported by evidence. To enhance clarity, ensure the 'reasonable basis' is explicitly stated and substantiated, avoiding vague or overstated claims. Alternatives such as "a valid justification for" or "a sound rationale for" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid justification for

Replaces 'reasonable basis' with 'valid justification', emphasizing the legitimacy of the reason.

a sound rationale for

Substitutes 'reasonable basis' with 'sound rationale', highlighting the logical and coherent nature of the reason.

a legitimate foundation for

Replaces 'reasonable basis' with 'legitimate foundation', underscoring the lawfulness or acceptability of the reason.

a credible reason for

Uses 'credible reason' in place of 'reasonable basis', focusing on the believability of the justification.

a tenable argument for

Replaces 'reasonable basis' with 'tenable argument', suggesting a defensible or maintainable position.

a plausible explanation for

Substitutes 'reasonable basis' with 'plausible explanation', emphasizing the believability of the reason or account.

sufficient grounds for

Replaces 'reasonable basis' with 'sufficient grounds', stressing the adequacy of the reason or justification.

adequate justification for

Uses 'adequate justification' instead of 'reasonable basis', highlighting the sufficiency of the reason.

good cause for

Replaces 'reasonable basis' with 'good cause', suggesting a morally or legally acceptable reason.

justifiable grounds for

Substitutes 'reasonable basis' with 'justifiable grounds', emphasizing the defensibility of the reason or action.

FAQs

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

Use "a reasonable basis for" to introduce the justification or foundation for a decision, belief, or action. For example: "The investigation provided "a reasonable basis for" the charges."

What's a more formal alternative to "a reasonable basis for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "a sound rationale for" or "a valid justification for".

Is "a reasonable basis for" subjective or objective?

Whether something constitutes "a reasonable basis for" can sometimes be subjective, depending on the context and the criteria used for evaluation. However, it should ideally be grounded in objective evidence and logical reasoning.

What is the difference between "a reasonable basis for" and "good cause for"?

"A reasonable basis for" generally refers to a logical or factual foundation, while "good cause for" often implies a morally or legally sufficient reason.