basis for comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis for comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the criteria or standard against which two or more items are evaluated or assessed. Example: "In order to understand the effectiveness of the new marketing strategy, we need to establish a clear basis for comparison with the previous approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Now," he added, "we have a basis for comparison".

The New York Times

Some judgments need time and a basis for comparison.

The New Yorker

But a child has no basis for comparison.

The New York Times

While different scholars have different opinions, all use "Cleopatra" as a basis for comparison.

The New York Times - Arts

Countries like Sweden and Northern Ireland have no basis for comparison.

The Guardian

To provide a rough basis for comparison, here are details on Alpine tours run by three companies.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Geithner said that there was "no basis for comparison" to Greece.

The New York Times

So there was a good basis for comparison between similar households living just above and below.

Independent

But Europeans get neither an accurate picture nor a basis for comparison.

The Economist

(The basis for comparison appears to have been physical rather than sartorial).

The New York Times - Arts

However, for a cross-country analysis of corporate debt, this is a problematic basis for comparison.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis for comparison", clearly define the criteria or standards you are using to ensure the comparison is valid and meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "basis for comparison" without specifying what the basis actually is. Always clarify the specific factors or standards being used to make the comparison to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis for comparison" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the criteria or standard used to evaluate two or more entities. It is frequently used to establish a clear and objective framework for assessment, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis for comparison" is a versatile phrase used to denote the criteria or standard against which evaluations are made. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in scientific literature, news articles, and formal reports underscores its importance in establishing objective and fair assessments. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to explicitly define the criteria being used, avoiding vague or undefined standards. Alternative phrases like ""standard for comparison"" or "benchmark for evaluation" can be used to add nuance or formality depending on the context. The phrase's wide applicability and clear function make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparative standard

Highlights the standard used specifically for making comparisons.

standard for comparison

Underscores the use of an established norm for comparative purposes.

point of reference

Focuses on the specific point that serves as the standard.

frame of reference

Indicates the overall perspective or set of criteria used for evaluation.

criterion for evaluation

Focuses on a specific factor or measure used to assess something.

yardstick for assessment

Emphasizes the use of a standard for measuring or evaluating something.

benchmark for evaluation

Highlights the standard against which performance or quality is judged.

ground for evaluation

Emphasizes the fundamental reason or basis on which an assessment is made.

touchstone for judgment

Suggests a critical test or standard by which something is determined.

measuring stick

Implies a direct and straightforward method for assessing differences.

FAQs

How can I use "basis for comparison" in a sentence?

Use "basis for comparison" to introduce the standard or criteria used to evaluate two or more things. For example, "We need to establish a solid "standard for comparison" before we can assess the results."

What's a more formal alternative to "basis for comparison"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "benchmark for evaluation" or "criterion for evaluation", which are often used in academic or professional contexts.

How does "basis for comparison" differ from "point of reference"?

"Basis for comparison" specifically refers to the criteria used for evaluating differences, while "point of reference" can be a more general term referring to any standard used for orientation or understanding.

What phrases are similar to "basis for comparison"?

Similar phrases include "foundation for comparison", "ground for evaluation", and "comparative standard". Each emphasizes the importance of having a clear standard for assessment.