basis of

USAGE SUMMARY

"basis of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the foundation, root, or starting point for something. For example, "The basis of his success was hard work and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's the basis of everything.

The New York Times

Democracy exists on the basis of truth.

The New Yorker

They must be the basis of action.

The New York Times

This forms the basis of the sauce.

The New York Times - Food

That has been the basis of life.

The Economist

This is the basis of our poverty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tourism is the basis of the economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Sharīʿah is the basis of justice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Antibodies also form the basis of Avastin.

The Economist

On the basis of a screenplay?

The New Yorker

Debt repayment formed the basis of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis of", ensure that the noun following "of" clearly specifies what is being founded or supported. For example, "The research is the basis of our new strategy" is clearer than "That's the basis".

Common error

Avoid using "basis of" in overly general or abstract contexts where a more specific term would be more precise. For instance, instead of saying "Trust is the basis of everything", consider a more nuanced statement like "Trust is essential for strong relationships" or "Trust underpins effective teamwork".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the foundation, reason, or underlying principle of something. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, serving to connect a concept with its fundamental element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the foundation, reason, or underlying principle of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral communication. When using "basis of", ensure clarity and avoid overuse in vague contexts, as more specific terms might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "foundation for" and "reason for", providing alternative ways to express similar concepts. In general, this phrase is a useful part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for

This alternative uses 'foundation' to emphasize the supporting structure or groundwork, slightly altering the imagery.

reason for

This focuses specifically on the cause or justification behind something, narrowing the scope of "basis".

groundwork for

Emphasizes the preparatory work or initial stages that lead to something, suggesting a process.

underlying principle of

Highlights the fundamental concept or rule that governs something, adding a layer of abstraction.

core of

This alternative emphasizes the central and most important part of something, changing the emphasis.

starting point for

Focuses on the initial stage or beginning from which something originates, highlighting the temporal aspect.

source of

This denotes the origin or where something comes from, changing the focus to origination.

rationale behind

This emphasizes the logical explanation or justification for something, focusing on reasoning.

justification for

This highlights the reasons or evidence used to support something, focusing on validation.

fundamental element of

This alternative stresses the essential and indispensable component of something, emphasizing its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "basis of" in a sentence?

Use "basis of" to indicate the foundation, reason, or underlying principle for something. For example, "This study forms the basis of our research", or "Honesty is the basis of any good relationship".

What are some alternatives to "basis of"?

You can use alternatives such as "foundation for", "reason for", or "source of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "basis of" or "based on"?

"Basis of" refers to the foundation or core element, while "based on" indicates something that is derived or relies on something else. For example, "The argument has no factual basis" versus "The movie is based on a true story".

What's the difference between "basis of" and "base of"?

"Basis of" refers to a conceptual or abstract foundation, while "base of" typically refers to a physical foundation. For instance, "The principle is the basis of our argument" versus "The base of the mountain was covered in snow".