a substantive basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a solid foundation or justification for an argument, decision, or action. Example: "The committee's decision was based on a substantive basis of evidence gathered during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"A review of claims both on a substantive basis and for purposes of plan classification is ongoing," Lehman said in the filing.

The New York Times

It is a basic expectation that students will attend class; therefore, attendance in class should not be a substantive basis for grading.

Columbia University

Many courses do not provide a substantive basis for maximizing impact or for building organizations that can achieve significant impact at scale.

Forbes

"You need a dozen of those to really change your business model on a substantive basis.

Los Angeles Times

These findings thus provided a substantive basis for community concern and for ongoing measures to monitor closely and control emissions from the refinery.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The results support the hypothesis of an increased prevalence of asthma symptoms among children in the area as a result of refinery emissions and provide a substantive basis for community concern.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As a registered Democrat, I don't see any substantive basis for objecting to a reasonable verification requirement, given that we require photos for driver's licenses, passports, credit cards and so on.

The New York Times

If testosterone were simply a "sex hormone" involved only with sexual desire and arousal we might tend to dismiss testosterone treatment in the aging man as merely a "life-style" therapy without any substantive basis for broad physiological necessity.

Clinical interventions in aging

These could cause endless delay without there being any substantive basis for the claims of improper decision making," he said.

The Guardian

By retrofitting his prediction model so that it more closely aligns with past results, Mr Abramowitz leaves himself vulnerable to the charge that this post-hoc tinkering lacks any substantive basis.

The Economist

Patrick Adenauer, grandson of postwar Germany's first chancellor and head of the Association of Family Enterprise — Christian Democrat roots don't go deeper — told Handelsblatt, the newspaper: "The German reactions to the events in Libya and Japan appear hysterical on one hand, and on the other without any substantive basis".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantive basis" when you want to emphasize that a decision, argument, or action is founded on solid, meaningful evidence or reasoning. For example, "The policy change was implemented on "a substantive basis" of research and community feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive basis" in very casual conversations or informal writing. It is more appropriate for formal reports, academic papers, or professional correspondence. In informal settings, consider simpler alternatives like "a good reason" or "solid evidence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a complement to a verb or preposition. It denotes a fundamental reason or justification that is significant and well-supported, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive basis" is a noun phrase used to indicate a strong, meaningful foundation for an argument, decision, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in formal contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. While not suitable for informal communication, it's valuable for ensuring credibility and precision. Alternatives include "a solid foundation" or "a valid justification", depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to reserve it for scenarios where you need to convey thoroughness and support a claim with verifiable evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

Focuses on the strength and reliability of the base.

a meaningful justification

Emphasizes the importance and validity of the reason.

a sound rationale

Highlights the logical and coherent nature of the reasoning.

a valid justification

Implies legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

a legitimate reason

Stresses the lawfulness and fairness of the reason.

a concrete rationale

Highlights the tangible and specific aspects of the reasoning.

a factual foundation

Highlights that the base is grounded in reality and evidence.

a well-founded argument

Focuses on the presence of strong evidence and logic.

a reasoned explanation

Emphasizes the logical and thoughtful nature of the explanation.

a credible backing

Focuses on the trustworthiness and believability of the support.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantive basis" to indicate that a decision, argument, or action has a strong and meaningful foundation. For example, "The judge dismissed the case because there was no "a substantive basis" for the plaintiff's claims."

What are some alternatives to "a substantive basis"?

You can use alternatives such as "a solid foundation", "a sound rationale", or "a valid justification" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "substantive basis" or "significant basis"?

"Substantive basis" implies a focus on the essential facts and reasons, while "significant basis" emphasizes the importance or impact of the foundation. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the depth and thoroughness or the importance of the basis.

What does it mean for something to lack "a substantive basis"?

If something lacks "a substantive basis", it means there is no solid or meaningful evidence or reasoning to support it. It suggests that the claim, argument, or decision is weak and possibly unfounded.