based on a certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on a certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is determined or influenced by a specific factor or condition. Example: "The conclusions of the study were based on a certain set of criteria that were established at the beginning of the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he transformed their movement from a past- and loss-oriented movement to a future- and possibility-oriented one, based on a certain idea about America.

The New York Times

In this paper, the base station compares the MIMO channels of all users and selects the best user one at a time based on a certain criterion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

That said, infoaxe does have one cool feature dubbed 'Pivot' that lets you search your web history based on a certain timeframe.

TechCrunch

Neither view is necessarily correct or incorrect, but based on a certain perception of the world, you are likely to lean in one way or the other.

HuffPost

"Every relationship is based on a certain amount of fiction," he said.

The New York Times

AFSA iterations are based on a certain matrix which approximates the Fisher information matrix.

Statistical Methodology

Similar parts, based on a certain similarity of characteristics, are grouped into a family.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Traditional definition of the effective width of steel-concrete composite beam is based on a certain beam section.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

The model represents the processes of determining functional specifications for new product development based on a certain product strategy.

International Journal of Production Economics

That Saudi pledge "was based on a certain set of assumptions, but if you change the assumptions, all bets are off," he said.

The New York Times

This chilling aesthetic is based on a certain uneasy ambiguity among viewers over whether a guest performer knows the script or is just following instructions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on a certain", ensure the factor or condition you're referring to is clear within the context. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the basis for your statement or conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "based on a certain" without specifying what that "certain" thing is. Always provide context or elaborate on the criteria for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on a certain" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the foundation or condition upon which something is established. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correctly used in various contexts to show dependence on a specific factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "based on a certain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies dependence on specific, often unstated, conditions or criteria. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It's common across diverse fields like science, news, and business. For clarity, always ensure the context provides enough information about what that "certain" factor is. Alternatives like "dependent on a particular" or "contingent upon a specific" can provide variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on a particular

Substitutes "based on" with "dependent on" and "certain" with "particular", focusing on reliance on a specific element.

reliant on a determined

Focuses on reliance, substituting "based on" with "reliant on" and "certain" with "determined".

contingent upon a specific

Replaces "based on" with "contingent upon" and "certain" with "specific" for a more formal tone, emphasizing conditionality.

conditional on a specific

Emphasizes the conditional aspect, replacing "based on" with "conditional on" and retaining a similar level of formality.

grounded in a specific

Implies a solid foundation, using "grounded in" instead of "based on" and replacing "certain" with "specific".

predicated on a defined

Uses "predicated on" instead of "based on", suggesting a foundation or logical consequence, and replaces "certain" with "defined".

rooted in a particular

Emphasizes the origin, replacing "based on" with "rooted in" and "certain" with "particular".

stemming from a specific

Highlights the origin or cause, replacing "based on" with "stemming from" and retaining a similar level of formality.

subject to a given

Replaces "based on" with "subject to", indicating a condition or restriction, and substitutes "certain" with "given".

hinging on a defined

Suggests a crucial point of dependence, using "hinging on" instead of "based on" and replacing "certain" with "defined".

FAQs

How can I use "based on a certain" in a sentence?

The phrase "based on a certain" is used to indicate that something is determined or influenced by a specific, though perhaps not explicitly stated, factor or condition. For example, "The decision was "based on a certain" set of criteria."

What are some alternatives to "based on a certain"?

You can use alternatives such as "dependent on a particular", "contingent upon a specific", or "subject to a given" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "based on a certain" or "based on a specific"?

Both "based on a certain" and "based on a specific" are grammatically correct, but "based on a specific" might be preferred when you want to emphasize the explicitness and clarity of the factor being referenced. "Based on a certain" implies the factor may not be fully articulated but is still present.

What does "based on a certain" imply about the information that follows?

The phrase ""based on a certain"" suggests that the following information is conditional or dependent on something that may not be immediately obvious or fully explained, requiring the listener or reader to understand the underlying basis for the statement.