based partly on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based partly on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is derived from or influenced by multiple sources or factors, but not entirely dependent on one. Example: "The film is based partly on historical events, but it also incorporates fictional elements for dramatic effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The story is based partly on one Toibin heard as a child.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their most treasured objective is to restructure the system into one based partly on private accounts.

The Economist

This fear is based partly on cold, hard fact.

The New York Times

It had broken down into factions, based partly on religion.

The New Yorker

The utility's choice was based partly on political expediency.

The New York Times

These headlines are of course based partly on my interpretation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Based partly on notes of H. C. Standage.

Nature

That is based partly on your income, he explained.

The New York Times

The rankings are still based partly on peer evaluations.

The Economist

His warning was based partly on his own experience.

The New York Times - Magazine

Its popularity is based partly on the privacy measures it offers.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based partly on", ensure that you clarify what the other contributing factors or sources are to provide a complete picture.

Common error

Avoid implying that the subject is only "based partly on" something if other major influences exist. Provide a balanced view of all key elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based partly on" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating a partial basis or foundation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. Examples show it specifying the factors that contribute to something, without being the sole determinant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based partly on" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a partial basis or influence. Ludwig AI analysis, alongside numerous examples, demonstrates its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. It serves to clarify that while a stated element is influential, it is not the sole determinant. When using this phrase, be sure to consider other contributing factors to present a balanced and comprehensive view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially dependent on

This alternative highlights the dependence aspect with the modifier 'partially'.

partly influenced by

This emphasizes the influence, suggesting an impact rather than a foundation.

in part derived from

This suggests a derivation, indicating that something originates from multiple sources.

drawing in some measure from

This emphasizes the act of 'drawing' or taking inspiration or information.

relying to some extent on

This alternative highlights the reliance on something as a contributing factor.

grounded in part in

This emphasizes the foundational aspect with the specification of partial grounding.

built in some aspects upon

This suggests a constructive process where something is erected on certain elements.

informed to a degree by

This alternative focuses on the idea of information influencing a decision or perspective.

hinging in part upon

This suggests that the outcome or conclusion is partially reliant on certain factors.

stemming in some measure from

This conveys origination, pointing out that something arises from multiple factors.

FAQs

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

The phrase "based partly on" indicates that something is derived from multiple sources or factors, but not entirely dependent on one. For instance, "The film is "based partly on" historical events, but it also incorporates fictional elements for dramatic effect."

What are some alternatives to "based partly on"?

You can use alternatives like "partially dependent on", "partly influenced by", or "in part derived from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "based partially on" instead of "based partly on"?

Yes, "based partially on" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "based partly on". The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "based partly on" and "based entirely on"?

"Based partly on" indicates that something is influenced by multiple factors, whereas "based entirely on" suggests that something is solely dependent on a single factor.