based on what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to ask for clarity or more information about a statement. For example: "You said you were going to finish that project by tomorrow, based on what?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Click one of the following links based on what happens.

WikiHow

Based on what norm?

The New York Times

Based on what?

The New York Times

"Based on what?" Feith asked.

The New Yorker

Based on what S.&P.

The New York Times

And based on what?

The Guardian - Opinion

That's not based on what happened.

The New York Times - Sports

She became famous based on what?

The New Yorker

Based on what you do online".

The New York Times

Based on What?

The New York Times

It's based on what works.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on what", ensure the context clearly indicates the information or evidence that the subsequent statement is derived from. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "based on what" when you intend to express a general agreement or alignment, as it specifically requests the foundation for a statement, not a simple affirmation. Use alternatives such as "I agree" or "That's right" for agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on what" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase, used to request clarification or justification for a statement or action. It prompts the speaker to provide the underlying reasons, evidence, or information that supports their assertion. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on what" serves as a direct and inquisitive request for justification or evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While its directness lends itself to a neutral register, more formal alternatives like "on what grounds" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. When employing "based on what", ensure that you are genuinely seeking the rationale behind a statement, not merely expressing disagreement. With countless examples demonstrating its real-world usage, "based on what" proves a valuable tool for critical inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what grounds

Replaces "based on" with "on what grounds" to directly inquire about the justification or reasons behind something.

what's your reasoning

Shifts from a passive construction to an active one, asking directly for the reasoning behind a statement.

what is the basis

Substitutes "based on" with "what is the basis" for a more formal tone, inquiring about the foundation of a claim.

by what authority

Focuses on the authority or source of information, particularly relevant when questioning the legitimacy of a claim.

where did you get that idea

Indirectly questions the source or basis of an idea, often implying skepticism.

what are you relying on

Emphasizes the reliance on specific evidence or information.

what's the evidence for that

Specifically requests the evidence supporting a statement or claim.

how do you know

A direct and simple way to ask for the basis of someone's knowledge.

what leads you to believe that

Inquires about the factors or reasons that have led someone to a particular belief.

can you elaborate

A general request for more information, which can indirectly lead to uncovering the basis of a statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "based on what" to inquire about the justification or evidence supporting a claim. For example, "You predicted a market crash, "based on what"?"

What are some alternatives to using "based on what"?

Alternatives include "on what grounds", "what is the basis", or "what's your reasoning", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "based on what" in formal writing?

While "based on what" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "on what grounds" or "what is the basis" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "based on what" and "according to what"?

"Based on what" asks for the underlying reasons or evidence, while "according to what" asks for the source of information. For example, "Based on what evidence did you make that claim?" versus "According to what source did you hear that information?"