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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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based on a needs

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on a needs" is not correct in English.
It should be "based on needs" or "based on a need." You can use it when discussing decisions, strategies, or actions that are determined by specific requirements or necessities. Example: "Our project will be tailored based on needs identified during the initial assessment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Both websites were thoroughly developed based on a needs assessment and two evidence-based guidelines, and reviewed by an interdisciplinary advisory committee.

Only five programs were based on a needs assessment, four among the residents themselves [ 21- 24] and one among their supervisors [ 25].

We do not distribute textbooks or computers based on a needs test.

News & Media

The New York Times

Based on a needs analysis, the number of individual training positions in the Netherlands will be reduced over the next few years from 59 to less than 40 each yearly.

Based on a needs assessment study with mapmakers at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, we designed a new, mixed-method symbol standardization process that takes place through a web-based, asynchronous platform.

Based on a needs assessment we conducted, several themes were identified as important for a possible management training program.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A synthesized research definition of cognitive flexibility is a switch in thinking, whether that is specifically based on a switch in rules or broadly based on a need to switch one's previous beliefs or thoughts to new situations.

We did not include patients referred to intermediate care units, transferred from one ICU to another based on a need for specific resources, or previously refused admission to another ICU.

So much of social media posting is based on a need we have.

Assistant secretary for civil works Jo-Ellen Darcy announced the decision on Sunday, with the army saying it was based on "a need to explore alternate routes" for the crossing.

News & Media

The Guardian

The prime minister's spokeswoman said: "Health professionals were asked to review cases where people qualified for personal independence payments based on a need for aids and appliances they have for their disability.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure that the noun following "based on a" is singular ("need") or, if referring to multiple needs, omit the article and use the plural form ("based on needs").

Common error

Avoid using a plural noun directly after the article "a" when using the phrase "based on". The correct forms are "based on a need" (singular) or "based on needs" (plural, omitting "a").

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on a needs" functions as a prepositional phrase intended to modify a verb or noun, indicating the foundation or rationale for an action or decision. However, according to Ludwig, this phrasing is incorrect.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "based on a needs" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct forms are "based on a need" (singular) or "based on needs" (plural). As Ludwig AI indicates, this incorrect phrasing undermines clarity and professionalism. When writing, opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "according to needs", "driven by needs", or "dictated by needs" to ensure your message is clear and credible. Avoiding the use of "based on a needs" will help maintain a higher standard of writing.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something is determined by requirements?

The correct phrasing is either "based on needs" or "based on a need". The phrase "based on a needs" is grammatically incorrect.

Is it ever correct to use "based on a needs"?

No, "based on a needs" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The article "a" is used before singular nouns, so it should be "based on a need" if you're referring to a single requirement. If you are refering to multiple requirements then you can use "based on needs".

What are some alternatives to "based on needs"?

Alternatives include "according to needs", "driven by needs", or "dictated by needs" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I choose between "based on a need" and "based on needs"?

Use "based on a need" when referring to a single, specific requirement. Use "based on needs" when referring to multiple, possibly general, requirements.

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Most frequent sentences: