challenge the basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge the basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning or disputing the fundamental assumptions or foundations of an argument, theory, or belief. Example: "In her research paper, she aims to challenge the basis of traditional economic theories that have dominated the field for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

HMRC is perfectly entitled to challenge the basis of any calculation".

The Guardian - Tech

The results of this study challenge the basis for intra-articular steroid injections in managing hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

He said he would challenge the basis of the law, passed by Parliament in 2000, on which the court is operating.

The New York Times

The second was that it was ill-prepared ideologically to challenge the basis upon which the global economy had been run for the previous 30 years.

The Guardian - Business

In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in Boumediene v. Bush that Guantanamo detainees had a right to a hearing to challenge the basis for their detention.

The Washington Post

A federal appeals court in Richmond, Va., ruled in January that he was not entitled to access to a lawyer or to challenge the basis of his continued detention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Philippines, fed up with its obduracy, has challenged the basis of its territorial claims before a UN-backed tribunal.

The Economist

"It's not some sort of fundamentalist tract challenging the basis of Judeo-Christian religion," Ms. Shaw said.

The New York Times

The Lovings challenged the basis for the prosecution, but the trial judge, Leon Bazile, explained why the case against them should stand.

The New Yorker

They have also challenged the basis for the ABC classification system, saying that the harm caused by drugs should be separated from criminal penalties.

The Guardian

Shareholders in Britain's Northern Rock, which was nationalised in February, are furiously challenging the basis on which the government is valuing the bank's shares.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenge the basis" when you want to express a formal disagreement with fundamental principles or assumptions, especially in academic, legal, or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge the basis" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "disagree with" or "question" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge the basis" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of questioning or disputing a foundational element. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it introduces scrutiny of established principles or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenge the basis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for questioning fundamental principles. As determined by Ludwig, it's suitable for formal contexts such as academia, news, and professional settings. While interchangeable with phrases like "contest the foundation" or "dispute the rationale", it should be used cautiously in informal speech. Common errors involve overuse in casual conversation, where simpler wording suffices. Overall, "challenge the basis" is a potent and reliable phrase, especially when initiating debates in structured environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge the grounds

Similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly different wording.

contest the foundation

Emphasizes disputing the underlying principles or support.

dispute the rationale

Focuses on disagreeing with the reasoning behind something.

question the validity

Highlights doubting the correctness or legitimacy.

refute the premise

Indicates an attempt to disprove the initial assumption.

call into question the justification

Highlights the act of formally doubting the legitimization.

undermine the argument

Focuses on weakening the support for a claim.

oppose the underlying principle

Indicates disagreement with the fundamental concept.

debate the justification

Similar to contesting but suggests a more formal argument.

take issue with the rationale

Highlights a disagreement or objection to the reason behind something.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge the basis" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge the basis" to indicate questioning or disputing the fundamental assumptions or foundations of an argument, theory, or belief. For example, "The study aims to challenge the basis of traditional economic theories."

What can I say instead of "challenge the basis"?

You can use alternatives like "contest the foundation", "dispute the rationale", or "question the validity" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "challenge the basis" or "question the basis"?

"Challenge the basis" implies a stronger, more formal disagreement, while "question the basis" suggests a more general inquiry or doubt. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended level of intensity.

What's the difference between "challenge the basis" and "challenge the assumption"?

"Challenge the basis" refers to questioning the fundamental principles, while "challenge the assumption" targets a specific assumption or premise within an argument. The choice depends on whether you're questioning the entire foundation or a particular element.