a substantial basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial basis" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that there is a strong or significant reason or foundation behind something. Example: The new research provides a substantial basis for further investigation into the effects of climate change on marine life.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I conclude this finding should curtail this court's involvement in this election through this case and is a substantial basis for affirming the trial court.

The New York Times

If Major League Baseball does decide to implement fingerprinting, it would mark the first time that the sport has done so on a substantial basis.

The New York Times - Sports

Tufts' board of trustees said in a statement it decided to withdraw the honor after concluding there was "a substantial basis" to discredit the accomplishments for which Cosby was recognized.

The Guardian

In a statement on Tuesday, the ethics commission said, "In February, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics issued a Substantial Basis Investigation Report to the Legislative Ethics Commission for its review".

The New York Times

The enabling statute for the Joint Commission on Public Ethics does not limit the scope of a report but says it needs to include "the commission's findings of fact" and "a determination that a substantial basis exists to conclude that a violation has occurred".

The New York Times

A process cannot exist without a substantial basis, and space and time are impossible without process.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Collection of multiple self-measured values by the patient at home should provide a more substantial basis for evaluating the patient's early response to insulin therapy.

Diabetic Medicine

The major objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to accumulate gene resources for screening valuable genes and providing a substantial informational basis for post-genomic analyses; (ii) to construct a basis of gene finding in whole-genome analyses; and (iii) to collect frequency information of each EST for comparison of expression profiles among culture conditions.

DNA Research

Although the British guidelines have long maintained that antihypertensive treatment should be different in young and elderly patients (8), there is no substantial basis for an age-related choice of antihypertensive drugs (5).

Diabetes Care

For the Mādhyamika not only is there no substantial self, there is also no substantial basis on which a non-substantial self could be built.

SEP

Anyone who saw the handouts to Wall Street started by Paulson/Bush and continued by Geither/Obama has substantial basis for doubting that a public insurance company would operate on an actuarialy fair basis and not hit the taxpayer with a backdoor bill after driving out the private competition.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial basis", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supported or justified. Providing specific details will enhance the phrase's impact and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial basis" when the support is weak or speculative. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and suggest a lack of critical evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial basis" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a complement or object within a sentence. It indicates a significant reason, justification, or foundation upon which something is based. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial basis" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant reason or justification. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for written English and suggests strong support for a claim or decision. While the phrase is relatively rare, its usage spans across news, scientific, and formal contexts, indicating its versatility. The phrase should be used when emphasizing the robust foundation behind an argument or action, but writers should avoid overstating the 'substantial' aspect if the support is weak. Alternatives such as "a solid foundation" or "compelling evidence" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

Emphasizes the strength and stability of the foundation, altering the specific type of foundation described.

a firm footing

Highlights the security and stability provided, shifting the metaphor to physical stability.

a strong rationale

Focuses specifically on the reasoning behind something, making it more explicit.

a significant justification

Stresses the importance and validity of the reason provided.

a considerable ground

Emphasizes the extent and importance of the reason, making it sound slightly more formal.

ample justification

Highlights the sufficiency and abundance of reasons or support available.

extensive support

Focuses on the broad and detailed nature of the supporting evidence.

compelling evidence

Highlights the persuasive and convincing nature of the supporting information.

sound reasoning

Emphasizes the quality and validity of the logical process.

legitimate grounds

Highlights the legal or ethical acceptability of the rationale.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial basis" to indicate that there's a strong reason or foundation for a belief, action, or decision. For example: "The research provides "a substantial basis" for new policies."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial basis"?

Alternatives to "a substantial basis" include "a solid foundation", "a strong rationale", or "compelling evidence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"A substantial basis" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that the reason or support for something is significant and well-founded. Use it when you want to convey a sense of credibility and strength.

Is "a substantial basis" the same as "a reasonable basis"?

While both phrases suggest a justification, ""a substantial basis"" implies a stronger, more significant foundation than "a reasonable basis". "Reasonable" suggests acceptability, while "substantial" suggests considerable weight and importance.