form the basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "form the basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to provide the groundwork, starting point, or essential elements of something. Here is an example sentence: The data collected from our survey formed the basis for making crucial policy decisions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Antibodies also form the basis of Avastin.

The Economist

They form the basis of individual citizenship.

The Guardian

These services form the basis of society.

The New York Times

These form the basis of some of these complaints".

The Guardian

These networks form the basis for people to share dissatisfactions".

The Guardian - Money

Could this form the basis of a bonus scheme?

The Guardian - Opinion

These effects may form the basis of prejudice.

The New York Times

These "nanodots" form the basis of the StoreDot technology.

The Guardian - Business

The constitution will form the basis for elections in December.

The Guardian

These things form the basis of human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such thinking might form the basis for an appeal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "form the basis", ensure that the relationship between the foundation and what is built upon it is clear and logical. Specify what exactly relies on this foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "form the basis" without clearly specifying what 'basis' refers to. Always clarify what elements or information create the groundwork for something else, ensuring clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form the basis" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of providing a foundation or starting point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in creating connections in the sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "form the basis" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the act of providing a foundation or essential elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in various contexts. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and academic writing, where it serves to establish clear relationships between concepts and ideas. When using "form the basis", it is important to ensure that the connection between the foundation and what it supports is clearly articulated. While alternatives like "constitute the foundation" and "establish the groundwork" exist, "form the basis" remains a direct and effective way to convey the idea of providing a fundamental starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute the foundation

Emphasizes the role as a fundamental part or principle.

establish the groundwork

Highlights the preparatory nature of the action.

provide the foundation

Focuses on the act of supplying a base or support.

lay the foundation

Implies a deliberate act of setting up a base.

underlie the structure

Suggests a hidden or less obvious foundational role.

serve as the bedrock

Highlights the strength and stability of the base.

be the cornerstone

Emphasizes the importance as an essential element.

create the platform

Focuses on building a stage for further development.

be fundamental to

Stresses the essential and indispensable nature.

grounded in

Focuses on the origin and starting point of the aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "form the basis" to indicate that something serves as the foundation or starting point for something else. For example, "These findings "form the basis" of our recommendations".

What are some alternatives to "form the basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "constitute the foundation", "establish the groundwork", or "provide the foundation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "form the basis of" or "form the basis for"?

Both "form the basis of" and "form the basis for" are grammatically correct, but "form the basis for" is more common when discussing future actions or developments. "Form the basis of" is often used for explaining a present state or condition.

What's the difference between "form the basis" and "serve as the foundation"?

"Form the basis" and "serve as the foundation" are largely interchangeable. However, "serve as the foundation" might emphasize a more structural or load-bearing role, while "form the basis" can refer to a more abstract or conceptual foundation.