based on the novel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on the novel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a work, such as a film or play, that is adapted from a literary source. Example: "The movie is based on the novel by the same author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Based on the novel by John Grisham.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was based on the novel.

The New York Times

Based on the novel by W. R. Burnett.

The New Yorker

Based on the novel by Risa Green.

The New York Times - Arts

Based on the novel by Jim Dent.

The New York Times - Arts

Based on the novel "Speak," by Laurie Halse Anderson.

The New York Times - Arts

HALE -- You've already written a screenplay based on the novel.

The New York Times - Books

The movies based on the novel broke box-office records.

The New York Times

Based on the novel "Therese Raquin" by Emile Zola.

The New York Times

I wanted to write a musical based on the novel.

The New York Times

It is based on the novel by B. J. Chute.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "based on the novel" when you want to highlight the literary origin of a work such as a film, TV series, play, or musical.

Common error

Avoid using "based on the novel" if the work significantly deviates from the source material or only borrows minor elements. In such cases, "inspired by the novel" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on the novel" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, typically indicating the origin or source material of a creative work. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing films, plays, and musicals that have been adapted from novels. It indicates a direct relationship between the new work and the original text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on the novel" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote that a particular work, such as a movie, play, or musical, has been adapted from a novel. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts, most notably in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the adaptation maintains a clear connection to the source material. If the work is only loosely inspired, consider using alternative phrases such as "inspired by the novel". With its high frequency and wide acceptance, "based on the novel" remains a reliable and informative way to indicate a literary origin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adapted from the novel

Replaces "based on" with "adapted from", emphasizing the process of changing the source material.

derived from the novel

Highlights that the work originates or stems from the novel.

originating from the novel

Focuses on the origin of the work being the novel.

a novel adaptation of

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the adaptation itself.

stemming from the novel

Similar to "originating from", highlighting the source.

with the novel as its source material

More explicitly states the relationship between the work and the novel.

using the novel as a foundation

Emphasizes the novel as the base or groundwork for the new work.

inspired by the novel

Suggests the novel served as a creative spark, not necessarily a direct adaptation.

drawing inspiration from the novel

Similar to "inspired by", but more descriptive.

taking its cue from the novel

Implies the novel provided guidance or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "based on the novel" in a sentence?

Use "based on the novel" to describe a film, play, or other work that has been adapted from a novel. For example, "The film is "based on the novel" by Jane Austen."

What's a good alternative to "based on the novel"?

Alternatives include "adapted from the novel", "inspired by the novel", or "derived from the novel", depending on the nature of the adaptation.

Is it correct to say "the movie is based off the novel"?

While "based off" is sometimes used colloquially, it is generally more formal and grammatically correct to say "the movie is "based on the novel"."

When should I use "inspired by the novel" instead of "based on the novel"?

Use "inspired by the novel" when the work takes creative cues from the novel but does not directly adapt its plot or characters. If it's a faithful adaptation, ""based on the novel"" is more accurate.