formed the basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"formed the basis" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about the foundation on which something else is built or established. For example, "The results of the study formed the basis for the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Debt repayment formed the basis of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It formed the basis for "The Counterfeiters".

The New Yorker

They formed the basis for a culture.

The Guardian

I believe that formed the basis of your readers' objections.

The New York Times

These qualities also formed the basis of her style.

The New Yorker

Those ingredients formed the basis of a well-judged collection.

The New York Times

Coins formed the basis of Dolce & Gabbana's show.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

O'Neill's list formed the basis of a social experiment.

The New York Times - Magazine

This technique formed the basis for all future developments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Five more subdivisions formed the basis for the modern Latvians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cuvier's divisions formed the basis for all subsequent classifications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formed the basis", ensure the context clearly indicates what was built or developed upon that foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "formed the basis" without clearly specifying what exactly it underpinned. For example, instead of saying "The research formed the basis", specify "The research formed the basis for the new environmental policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formed the basis" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a noun or noun phrase that describes or renames it. It indicates that the subject acted as a foundation or starting point for something else. Ludwig provides many examples from diverse contexts, all supporting this core function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formed the basis" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe how something served as a foundation or starting point. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from science and news to encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and wide acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what was built upon that foundation to avoid vagueness. Remember, it can be effectively replaced with alternatives like "constituted the foundation" or "laid the groundwork for" to provide nuanced emphasis. The frequency of "formed the basis" is very high, which proves its relevance in English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constituted the foundation

Emphasizes the role as a fundamental component or structure.

laid the groundwork for

Focuses on the preparatory aspect of establishing a foundation.

provided the rationale

Highlights the justification or reasoning behind something.

served as the origin

Underscores the initial starting point or source.

was instrumental in creating

Emphasizes a key role in the development of something.

established the principles

Highlights the creation of core guiding rules or ideas.

underpinned the development

Focuses on the supporting or reinforcing aspect.

provided the infrastructure

Highlights the resources needed.

created the framework

Emphasizes building the structure.

offered a starting point

Emphasizes the initial step in a process or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "formed the basis" to describe how something acted as the foundation or starting point for something else. For example, "These findings "formed the basis" for the new study."

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

Alternatives include "constituted the foundation", "laid the groundwork for", or "provided the rationale", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "formed the basis of" or "formed the basis for"?

Both are acceptable, though "formed the basis for" is slightly more common. Both phrases are used to indicate that something served as a foundation or starting point.

What's the difference between "formed the basis" and "laid the foundation"?

"Formed the basis" emphasizes the role as a starting point, while "laid the foundation" emphasizes the act of creating that starting point. They are often interchangeable but have slightly different nuances.