an uncertain basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an uncertain basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a foundation or reasoning that lacks clarity or stability. Example: "The decision was made on an uncertain basis, leading to further complications down the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So reading is an uncertain basis for the building of character.

The Guardian - Books

The most relevant law, the Espionage Act, is famously overbroad and thus an uncertain basis for prosecution.

The Washington Post

When we lack a sense of past and future, the present feels like a shaky platform, an uncertain basis for action.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This, as above indicated, would furnish a most uncertain basis.

Cornell University

Under her watch the festival moved from an uncertain financial basis into a prosperous business undertaking that brought great riches to the Wagner family.

Wikipedia

Project XL had mixed results, with some success stories but an uncertain legal basis regarding enforcement and less active participation than envisioned.

Wikipedia

Practitioners must elaborate their prescriptions on this uncertain basis.

Plosone

The regulation of any disruptive new technology is always going to be reactive and based on an uncertain and politicized factual basis.

Columbia University

I suspect that this basic imperative of bodily survival in an uncertain world is the basis of the flexibility and power of human intelligence". — Ben Medlock, co-founder of predictive language software firm SwiftKey, explains why he thinks that truly intelligent machines will need a body.

MIT Technology Review

In the implementation of the efficient interval Monte Carlo method based on FMDPM, constant matrices are obtained, first, through an uncertain parameter extraction on the basis of the matrix decomposition technique.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

And he added: "German consumers have been generally reluctant overall to significantly step up their spending on a sustained basis in an uncertain environment".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an uncertain basis", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking or questionable about the foundation. Be specific in describing the uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "an uncertain basis" when a stronger, more definitive term is appropriate. If the basis is demonstrably false, use terms like "incorrect" or "invalid" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an uncertain basis" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, usually employed to describe something lacking clarity or stability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an uncertain basis" is a valid phrase used to describe a foundation or justification that lacks clarity, stability, or reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about the uncertainty to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. While the phrase is generally appropriate for formal writing, be mindful of the potential for overstatement and choose more definitive language when the basis is demonstrably false.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shaky foundation

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse of the base.

a dubious justification

Highlights the questionable or doubtful nature of the reasoning provided.

a questionable rationale

Focuses on the debatable or disputable aspect of the reasoning.

a flimsy premise

Suggests the underlying assumption is weak and easily challenged.

a precarious footing

Implies a lack of security and potential for failure.

a tenuous ground

Highlights the weakness and fragility of the basis.

an unreliable foundation

Directly states the untrustworthiness of the base.

an unsubstantiated claim

Indicates a lack of evidence to support the underlying statement.

a weak argument

Focuses on the lack of strength or persuasiveness in the reasoning.

a speculative reason

Suggests the reasoning is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "an uncertain basis" in a sentence?

You can use "an uncertain basis" to describe decisions, claims, or arguments that lack a solid foundation. For example, "The policy decision was made on "an uncertain basis", leading to criticism from experts."

What phrases are similar to "an uncertain basis"?

Similar phrases include "a shaky foundation", "a dubious justification", and "a questionable rationale".

Is it appropriate to use "an uncertain basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "an uncertain basis" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you need to express doubt or skepticism about a particular claim or argument.

What's the difference between "an uncertain basis" and "a weak basis"?

"An uncertain basis" implies that the foundation is unclear or unreliable, while "a weak basis" suggests that the foundation exists but lacks strength or persuasiveness. The former focuses on a lack of clarity, and the latter on a lack of power.