be a basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational elements or reasons for something, such as an argument, theory, or decision. Example: "The research findings will be a basis for our future studies in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-- that would be a basis for attacking him," he said.

The New York Times

"That could be a basis for setting aside the verdict," Mr. Morgenthau said.

The New York Times

Even the irreligion of parents can be a basis for excluding children from the group.

The Guardian - Opinion

At all events, it should never be a basis for exemptions from the law.

The Guardian

"We don't believe there would be a basis for such suits," he said.

The New York Times

That would not normally be a basis for a false-statement indictment".

The New Yorker

If a moral system justifies awful acts consistently, it can't be a basis for moral deliberation.

The Guardian

shall not be a basis for reducing the amount of funds otherwise obligated to the contract.

Cornell University

It may be a basis for further development for variable compaction ratio in the future.

Construction and Building Materials

This index can be a basis for selecting structural parameters, path planning and mechanism design.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

Reliable specific data are suggested to be a basis for design calculation.

Materials Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a basis for", ensure that the relationship between the basis and the resulting action or decision is clearly articulated. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "be a basis for" when the connection is weak or speculative. Overstating the strength of the foundation can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a basis for" functions as a linking verb construction, indicating that something serves as a foundational element or justification for something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly used to establish a cause-and-effect or support relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a basis for" is a versatile phrase used to establish a foundational relationship between ideas, actions, or decisions. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it serves to provide justification or support, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While "serve as a foundation for" and "act as a groundwork for" offer similar meanings, understanding the nuances of each alternative enhances clarity and precision in writing. Remember to clearly articulate the relationship and avoid overstating the strength of the basis to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a foundation for

This alternative emphasizes the supportive and structural role something plays.

act as a groundwork for

This suggests preliminary work that enables further development.

constitute grounds for

This is a more formal way of expressing justification or reason.

provide a rationale for

This emphasizes the logical justification behind something.

form the justification for

This focuses on providing a defensible reason or explanation.

be the underpinning of

This highlights the fundamental support that something provides.

offer a pretext for

This implies a reason that might not be the real or full explanation.

be instrumental in

This focuses on the importance and usefulness for something.

be a launchpad for

This suggests that something will provide assistance for a quick start.

furnish the logic for

This alternative focuses on logical reasons.

FAQs

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

Use "be a basis for" to indicate that something serves as the foundation, justification, or reason for something else. For example, "These findings can be "be a basis for" future research."

What are some alternatives to "be a basis for"?

Alternatives include "serve as a foundation for", "act as a groundwork for", or "constitute grounds for" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "be a basis for" and "be a reason for"?

"Be a basis for" suggests a more fundamental or foundational relationship, while "be a reason for" simply indicates a cause or explanation. The former implies a more structured support, while the latter can be more general.

Is "be a basis for" formal or informal?

"Be a basis for" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "constitute grounds for", but "be a basis for" remains appropriate in most writing situations.