basis on top of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis on top of" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a mix of two different expressions and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "We need to establish a basis on top of the existing framework."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That translates into 170 tests and essays to mark on a regular basis, on top of having to create two or three lesson plans for each day.

The New York Times

Okta has traditionally sold its legacy services into the IT department and more specifically the CIO's office, who integrate the service on a custom basis on top of the apps that are used in the businesses.

TechCrunch

Mr Bristow told the committee: "We are sat on a daily basis on top of significant risk because of the sheer volume of images and the different methods of offending by people who have a sexual interest in children.

BBC

However, many RECs are under-staffed and their members serve on a voluntary basis on top of their professional duties.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

According to pond-breeding experiments (Kerschbaumer et al., 2011 ; Koch et al., 2012 ), the phenotypic differences among populations in sympatry and allopatry have a genetic basis, on top of plasticity.

Heredity

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Another official said, however, that the interest rate would be based on the framework offered by the International Monetary Fund, which would typically, for a three-year loan, add 300 basis points plus a surcharge of 50 basis points on top of its Special Drawing Rights rate.

The New York Times

Peter Ham (of Merrill's private-client services unit) says that Merrill charges an extra 20 to 25 basis points on top of any base fee for outsourcing products.

Forbes

Paypal is left struggling with getting more people to pay with a bank account (and, given Bill Me Later, more and more using credit products) or it's forced to skim a few basis points on top of card fees.

TechCrunch

In the United States, costs would come down if several companies shared the financial burden of putting fiber into the ground and then competed on the basis of services built on top of the shared assets.

The New York Times

Four graves have been dated as having been dug in the 13th and late 14th centuries, on the basis of their position on top of a 13th-century remblai (a small hill created by burying bodies) and the fact that they were behind a wall that dated from the second half of the 14th century.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

For years before Deepwater Horizon the oil industry planned on the basis that the blowout preventers on top of wells would live up to their name.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express that something is added or layered onto an existing base, consider using "in addition to" or "on top of" for clarity. If you want to express the idea of being based on some ground rules, use "based on the foundation of".

Common error

Avoid combining "basis" which implies a foundation, with "on top of" which suggests layering. This creates a confusing image for the reader. Choose one metaphor and stick with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis on top of" attempts to function as a prepositional phrase, aiming to describe a relationship where something is built or added upon an existing foundation. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is not considered standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "basis on top of" appears in a variety of sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, it seems to be a blend of different expressions and lacks a clear meaning. Consider opting for alternatives like "foundation for", "built upon", or simply "in addition to" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. While some usage exists, particularly in news and media, avoiding this phrase in formal writing is advisable. Always aim for precision in your language to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for

Focuses on the underlying support or starting point.

on the foundation of

Stresses the structural support that something is based on.

groundwork for

Implies preparatory work that serves as a base for future development.

built upon

Highlights the action of constructing something on an existing base.

based on

Signifies that something is derived from or relies on a specific principle or source.

in addition to

Emphasizes the additive nature of something being included.

over and above

Highlights going beyond what is already present or required.

as a complement to

Indicates something that enhances or completes the original item.

on top of

Indicates something physically or conceptually placed above something else.

as a supplement to

Suggests something added to enhance or complete something else.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "basis on top of"?

Consider using "foundation for" or "built upon" for clearer and more standard English.

How can I use "on top of" correctly in a sentence?

Use "on top of" to indicate something physically above or metaphorically additional, such as, "On top of his salary, he receives bonuses."

Is there a difference between "basis on top of" and "based on"?

"Based on" means something is derived from or relies upon a principle, while "basis on top of" is not standard and should be avoided. Use "based on" to denote reliance or derivation.

When is it appropriate to use "in addition to" instead of "basis on top of"?

Use "in addition to" when you want to express adding something extra. For example: "In addition to the main course, a salad will be served."