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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
based on if
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "based on if" is not correct and is generally not usable in written English.
It is often used incorrectly as it combines two different concepts that should be expressed separately. Example: "The decision will be made based on if the data supports our hypothesis."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
43 human-written examples
Further Possible Readings Turning on the Use of "Based On": If we take it literally, the phrase "based on the biological sex" of course means just what it says: "based upon" rather than something more restrictive like "of the same biological sex".
News & Media
Critiquing DSSs based on "if conditions then criticism" rules have been proposed for various medical problems, including asthma [ 11, 13], dyslipaemia [ 9, 13], antibiotic prescriptions [ 13], and test ordering [ 14, 15].
Our goal is to address whether FL, F131E or DM4 derived centrioles can duplicate, and the answer is clearly yes for at least a significant fraction of centrioles at day 3 (based on IF and EM).
Science
STEVE: If the user could turn on and off the messages from individuals they're following based on if they're coming from both or one stream.
News & Media
For the LEDs, there are two LEDs, one to indicate if the turn is to the left, and another if the turn is to the right (based on if the bearing is negative or positive).
Academia
Within that, so the price dynamics are clearly influenced by trading patterns, by who's trading by perhaps more speculative views on price based on, if you want supply and demand.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
17 human-written examples
More advanced systems provide also reminder facilities, usually based on if-then rules.
Our experience gained so far indicates that the idea of the compilation of possibilities given by SQL language and interface engine based on if-then type rules together with the ability of new facts generation is right.
A fuzzy logic controller (FLC) based on if-then control rules is designed and the performance of the FLC is compared with a commonly used proportional, integral plus derivative (PID) controller.
Science
In fact, the pre-evaluation solution is based on if-then-else statements and could potentially degrade the system performance.
The bar-graph below breaks down the distribution of material capabilities based on IFs forecasts and can be found in the Global Trends 2030 report on page 101.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When expressing a conditional relationship, ensure that the condition is clearly stated and grammatically integrated into the sentence structure.
Common error
Avoid using "based on if" as it awkwardly combines a prepositional phrase with a conditional clause. This construction can confuse readers. Instead, separate the base and the condition for clarity.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "based on if" attempts to link a foundation or reason (based on) with a conditional clause (if). Ludwig AI identifies that this combination is generally not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct alternative is to use expressions like "depending on whether" or "conditional upon whether".
Frequent in
Science
32%
News & Media
32%
Academia
13%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Formal & Business
4%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "based on if" is relatively common across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's an attempt to link a foundation with a conditional clause but does so in a way that doesn't align with standard English grammar. Instead of using "based on if", it's best to opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as ""depending on whether"" or "conditional upon whether". These alternatives ensure that your writing is both clear and grammatically correct, enhancing its overall quality and credibility. Remember, effective communication relies on precision and clarity, and choosing the right phrase can make all the difference.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
depending on whether
Replaces "based on if" to clearly indicate that a decision or outcome is contingent on a specific condition.
contingent on whether
Similar to "depending on whether", it emphasizes the conditional relationship more formally.
depending on
A shorter, more direct way to express that something varies according to a particular factor.
conditional upon
Formal and emphasizes that something will happen only if a certain condition is met.
subject to whether
Highlights that something is influenced or determined by a particular condition being true or not.
influenced by whether
Expresses that something is affected or changed based on the presence or absence of a condition.
determined by whether
Indicates that a condition is the decisive factor in establishing something.
depending upon
A more formal version of "depending on", used to show reliance on a condition.
if
A concise way of introducing a condition that affects the result or situation.
given that
Indicates that something is true or likely, serving as the foundation for a subsequent action or conclusion.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "based on if"?
Instead of "based on if", use clearer and grammatically correct phrases such as "depending on whether", "conditional upon whether", or simply "depending on". For example, instead of "The decision will be made based on if the data supports our hypothesis", you can say "The decision will be made "depending on whether" the data supports our hypothesis".
Is "based on if" grammatically correct?
No, "based on if" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It combines a prepositional phrase ("based on") with a conditional conjunction ("if") in a way that is not standard English. It's better to use alternatives that clearly express the conditional relationship.
How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "based on if"?
To rephrase a sentence with "based on if", identify the condition and rewrite the sentence to clearly show that something is contingent upon that condition. For example, change "The recommendations are based on if there is a 20-minute window" to "The recommendations are made "depending on whether" there is a 20-minute window".
What is the difference between "based on if" and "depending on"?
"Based on if" is a grammatically awkward construction, while "depending on" is a correct and concise way to express that something varies or is contingent upon something else. Use "depending on" to clearly indicate the conditional relationship.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested