based solely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based solely on" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate an opinion or judgement that is based only on certain facts or evidence and not on any other factor or influence. For example, "The jury's decision was based solely on the evidence presented in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was based solely on personal greed.

The New York Times - Books

The exclusion is based solely on politics.

The New York Times

Based solely on statistics, this could be a mismatch.

The New York Times - Sports

Admission is based solely on a grueling national entrance exam.

The New York Times

LB This comparison is based solely on two videos.

The Guardian - Music

It's tempting to book a trip based solely on airfare.

The Washington Post

Concussions are often diagnosed based solely on symptoms.

The Guardian

I'm mighty skeptical of data based solely on physician visits.

Harvard University

All financial aid awards are based solely on need.

Princeton University

The award is based solely on scientific merit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cornell offers financial aid based solely on financial need.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based solely on", ensure that the single factor you are referencing is clear and justified. Over-reliance on a single factor can sometimes be seen as an oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "based solely on" when multiple factors genuinely contribute to a decision or outcome. Acknowledge other influences to avoid appearing dismissive or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based solely on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the exclusive basis or reason for something. It emphasizes that no other factors are considered, as seen in the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "based solely on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a decision or assessment is determined by a single factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts. Its presence is most prominent in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, ensure that the single factor you are referencing is clear and justified, and acknowledge other influences if they exist to avoid oversimplification. Related phrases like "exclusively based on" or "entirely dependent on" can provide nuanced alternatives. Remember that while the phrase is correct, over-reliance on a single factor may be perceived as biased. With this information, you can effectively use and understand the phrase "based solely on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively based on

Replaces "solely" with "exclusively", emphasizing the single factor being considered.

determined solely by

Emphasizes the determining role of the single factor.

entirely dependent on

Uses "entirely dependent on" to highlight the complete reliance on a single element.

purely on the basis of

More formal and emphasizes the foundation or reason for the decision.

contingent only on

Stresses that the outcome relies exclusively on a specific condition.

only considering

Uses a more active voice, indicating a deliberate choice to focus on one aspect.

grounded solely in

Implies a firm foundation or justification limited to one aspect.

deriving exclusively from

Focuses on the origin or source being limited to a single element.

restricted to

Highlights the limitation to a single criterion.

predicated entirely upon

A more formal alternative, signifying a complete dependence for its validity or success.

FAQs

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

You can use "based solely on" to indicate that a decision, judgment, or analysis is determined by only one factor. For example, "His conviction was "based solely on identification evidence"".

What are some alternatives to "based solely on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exclusively based on", "entirely dependent on", or "only considering", which offer slightly different nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "based solely on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate that something is determined by only one factor.

What's the difference between "based solely on" and "primarily based on"?

"Based solely on" means something is determined by only one factor. "Primarily based on" means one factor is the most important, but other factors may also be considered.