enough of a basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enough of a basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether there is sufficient foundation or justification for a particular argument or decision. Example: "The evidence presented in the report provides enough of a basis for us to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We found enough of a basis to determine what mining in that watershed would look like," he said.

The Washington Post

Mr. Padilla has been slapped with the legally dubious designation of "enemy combatant," and in the administration's view that is enough of a basis for holding him until the cessation of hostilities in the war against terror.

The New York Times

By the morning they had established enough of a basis for the talks to continue successfully.

BBC

That may not look like enough of a basis for a credible new international system.

Huffington Post

He is due to appear in court on Tuesday, where a judge will decide if authorities have enough of a basis to hold him pending trial.

Vice

Assuming there is enough of a basis for discipline in the union's rules or bylaws, the union member must be provided with a fair hearing before some type of internal review board before discipline is imposed.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This should provide enough of a clean but moist basis on which to put the concealer.

WikiHow

Nowadays, however, in many countries, it is not considered to be enough to form a basis of law.The main non-religious objections stem from the belief, held by many people, that it is irrational to want to commit suicide.

The Economist

Getting to know any Iraqi enough to establish a basis for trust meant that some of this truth would eventually begin seeping out.

The New York Times

"It's just that money alone is not enough of a context to motivate people on a sustained basis," Dolan writes.

Forbes

And it hired consultants on a limited basis so that none ever saw enough of a product to reverse-engineer it.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enough of a basis", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the 'basis' is for. For example, specify "enough of a basis for a decision" or "enough of a basis for an argument."

Common error

Avoid using "enough of a basis" when the evidence or reasoning is weak or speculative. If the foundation is questionable, choose language that reflects uncertainty, such as "a possible basis" or "a preliminary indication."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enough of a basis" functions as a qualifier, indicating that there is a sufficient foundation or justification for something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in legal, scientific, and general contexts, all pointing towards a degree of justification deemed adequate for a particular purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enough of a basis" signifies that there is sufficient justification or foundation for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies what the 'basis' is for. Related phrases like "sufficient justification" or "adequate foundation" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality. This phrase serves as a qualifier, often used to justify decisions or support arguments, indicating that a certain threshold of evidence or reasoning has been met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient justification

Emphasizes the adequacy of reasons or evidence supporting a claim or action.

adequate foundation

Highlights the presence of a solid groundwork or starting point.

reasonable grounds

Focuses on the existence of rational or logical reasons.

sufficient reason

Indicates that there is an acceptable explanation or motive.

ample justification

Stresses that there is a generous amount of support or validation.

adequate evidence

Highlights that there's sufficient proof available.

sufficient grounds

Focuses on the existence of rational or logical reasons in plural.

reasonable basis

Emphasizes the presence of a logical or rational foundation.

solid foundation

Highlights a firm, reliable groundwork for something.

adequate justification

Highlights that the justification is suitable or acceptable for the current situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "enough of a basis" to indicate that there is sufficient justification or evidence for something. For example: "The preliminary data provides "enough of a basis" to proceed with further research."

What are some alternatives to "enough of a basis"?

Alternatives include "sufficient justification", "adequate foundation", or "reasonable grounds", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "sufficient basis" or "enough of a basis"?

Both "sufficient basis" and "enough of a basis" are grammatically correct, but "enough of a basis" often implies that the foundation is just meeting the minimum requirement, while "sufficient basis" may imply a more robust foundation. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Can "enough of a basis" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "enough of a basis" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing legal or logical justifications. However, in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "sufficient justification" or "adequate foundation" might be preferred for their more elevated tone.