base on which

USAGE SUMMARY

"base on which" is not grammatically correct and is not commonly used in written English.
A more correct phrase would be "basis on which." For example, "The cost of the project will be determined based on the number of materials needed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fundamental religious views could offer a solid, unchallenged base on which to build one's life.

European Journal of Futures Research

The key change comes in the base on which transistors and other chip-based circuitry sit.

Science Magazine

You will need a loose 24cm round tart tin base on which to cook the pie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, Blue Labour sees the values of faith communities as a base on which to build.

The Guardian

Third, while many Afghan institutions are now dysfunctional, there is a base on which to build.

The New York Times

Use a plastic board as a base on which to make the rolls.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So we do have a strong base on which to build further.

The Guardian

Brown's extraordinary energy and commitment were the base on which the fifth goal was built.

The Guardian - Sport

The antagonisms are an illusion, for few contest the common base on which both depend.

The Guardian - Opinion

For every worker it provides a solid base on which to try to build an adequate level of retirement income.

The New York Times

Science is a knowledge base on which these other dimensions of policy decisions interact and are overlaid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "basis on which" instead of "base on which" to adhere to standard English grammar and improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "base" as a noun when "basis" is more appropriate. "Base" refers to a physical foundation, while "basis" refers to an abstract foundation like a reason or justification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "base on which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that specifies the foundation or support for something. However, Ludwig AI highlights that it is not grammatically correct, a more accepted alternative is basis on which.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "base on which" is frequently used across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. However, according to Ludwig AI, "base on which" is not grammatically correct and recommends using "basis on which" instead. While widely found, the expert rating reflects a need for caution, advising writers to favor grammatically sound alternatives for improved clarity and precision. Remember to use "basis on which" for a more grammatically accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis on which

Replaces "base" with "basis", a more grammatically accepted noun with a similar meaning.

foundation upon which

Substitutes "base" with "foundation" and "on" with "upon", offering a more formal tone.

grounds on which

Uses "grounds" instead of "base", emphasizing the reasons or justification.

reason for which

Focuses on the cause or explanation, rather than the foundational aspect.

justification for which

Highlights the act of defending or supporting something.

the support for which

Emphasizes the supporting evidence or structure.

the rationale behind which

Highlights the underlying logic or reasoning.

the underpinning of which

Focuses on the fundamental support or basis.

the structure on which

Emphasizes the framework or arrangement.

the premise on which

Highlights the initial statement or assumption.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "base" or "basis" in a sentence?

While "base" typically refers to a physical foundation, "basis" usually signifies a reason or justification. For example, you should say "The decision was made on the "basis of" the evidence" not "The decision was made on the base of the evidence".

Is "base on which" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, "base on which" is considered grammatically questionable. A more accepted alternative is "basis on which".

What are some alternatives to "base on which"?

Alternatives include "foundation on which", "grounds on which", or "reason for which", depending on the specific context.

How does the meaning change if I use "basis on which" instead of "base on which"?

Using "basis on which" typically introduces a sense of justification or reasoning, while "base on which" might imply a more literal, foundational element. However, "basis on which" is generally preferred for grammatical correctness.