basis on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the foundation, principle, or standard used to determine something. For example: The study proposes a new basis on which to evaluate the performance of public schools.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There exists no objective basis on which to elevate one species above another.

BMC Medical Ethics

It was a wonderful basis on which to start".

The Guardian

That was the basis on which Miranda was decided.

The New York Times

It is an absurd basis on which to dismiss faith.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's the basis on which we're having these discussions".

The Guardian - Business

This is the basis on which she won her prize.

The New Yorker

That is the basis on which it was taken".

Independent

The basis on which [Occupy's] arguments are built is flawed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is the best basis on which to achieve a reformed EU.

The Guardian

FIFA could find no legal basis on which to base a suspension of the five nations.

The New York Times - Sports

Wasn't that the basis on which they negotiated with the Cathedral and the Corporation?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "basis on which", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being founded or justified. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "basis on which" in very simple sentences where a more direct preposition like "for" or "on" would suffice. This prevents the writing from sounding overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis on which" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a subordinate clause that explains the reason, justification, or foundation for a statement or action. It is used to specify the underlying principles or reasons that support a particular decision or argument, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basis on which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to introduce the foundational reason or justification for a statement or action. It's most commonly found in news and media, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure the sentence clearly defines what is being founded or justified, while avoiding its use in overly simple contexts where direct prepositions would be more suitable. When in doubt, consider semantically similar alternatives such as "ground on which" or "foundation on which".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ground on which

Replaces "basis" with "ground", suggesting a slightly more fundamental or foundational reason.

foundation on which

Substitutes "basis" with "foundation", emphasizing the supporting structure or underlying principle.

grounds for which

Changes the structure to emphasize the reasons or justifications that support a particular action or decision.

reason for which

Focuses directly on the cause or explanation behind something, making it a more direct synonym.

justification for which

Highlights the act of showing something to be right or reasonable, adding a layer of defense or explanation.

premise on which

Emphasizes the initial statement or proposition that serves as the foundation for an argument or idea.

rationale behind which

Highlights the underlying principles or reasons that explain or justify a particular decision or action.

principle on which

Focuses on the fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

criteria on which

Specifies that the foundation is based on a set of standards or benchmarks used for evaluation.

evidence on which

Highlights factual information that supports a claim or belief. This is useful in legal or fact-based contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "basis on which" in a sentence?

The phrase "basis on which" introduces the foundation or reason for something. For example, "That is the "basis on which" Miranda was decided" shows the foundation for the decision.

What are some alternatives to "basis on which"?

You can use alternatives like "ground on which", "foundation on which", or "reason for which" depending on the specific context.

Is "basis on which" formal or informal?

The phrase "basis on which" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, using simpler alternatives like "reason for" or "based on" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "basis on which" and "based on"?

"Basis on which" introduces a more elaborate or formal explanation for a decision, whereas "based on" is a more concise and general way to indicate that something is derived from a particular fact or idea. For example, "The decision was "based on" the evidence" is less formal than "The decision had its "basis on which" the evidence was presented".