had a valid basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a valid basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee concluded that the proposal had a valid basis, as it was supported by extensive research and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The narrow legal issues have changed since the court considered the question last year, but the principle remains the same: The detainees have a right to have a court determine whether the government has a valid basis for imprisoning them.

The New York Times

Taken to the extreme, that reasoning suggests we need a personal profile, perhaps extending to the genome, before having a valid basis to offer any dietary guidance at all.

HuffPost

States are generally immune from suits for damages unless Congress has invoked a valid basis for declaring otherwise.

The New York Times

I had a valid passport.

The New York Times

He had a valid point.

The New York Times - Sports

(Earlier, he had a valid goal disallowed).

The New Yorker

"I had a valid passport with a visa," he said.

The New York Times

They had a valid contract of temporary marriage.

The New York Times

Van Horn conceded that Marbury had a valid point.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure, the majority leader had a valid point.

The New York Times

Castile had a valid permit to carry a gun.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a valid basis", ensure the basis is clearly articulated and understood by your audience. Providing specific details enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "had a valid basis" when the justification is weak or subjective. Ensure there is objective reasoning or evidence to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a valid basis" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of something as being justified or well-founded at a particular point in time. It's used to provide justification or reasoning for a situation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

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Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a valid basis" is used to describe something that possessed a justifiable reason or foundation at a particular point in time. While Ludwig finds the phrase grammatically sound and acceptable, there aren't direct examples in the provided data to determine frequency and typical contexts. However, it's generally applicable in neutral to professional registers, often in news reporting, formal writing, or business contexts. When using it, make sure the basis is clearly explained and supported by objective evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was well-founded

Emphasizes the solidity and reliability of the foundation or justification.

was justified

Focuses on the legitimacy and rightness of the action or belief.

was supported by evidence

Highlights the presence of proof and factual backing.

rested on solid ground

Implies a firm and stable foundation for the argument or action.

was predicated on

Indicates that something is based or dependent on a particular condition or assumption.

was rooted in

Suggests a deep-seated or fundamental reason for something.

possessed a sound rationale

Highlights the logical and reasoned explanation behind something.

had a legitimate reason

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason.

was underpinned by

Emphasizes the support and reinforcement provided by the foundation.

had a defensible rationale

Suggests the reasoning could be successfully argued for.

FAQs

How can I use "had a valid basis" in a sentence?

You can use "had a valid basis" to explain the justification or reasoning behind a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The judge ruled that the search warrant "had a valid basis" because there was probable cause."

What are some alternatives to "had a valid basis"?

Alternatives to "had a valid basis" include "was well-founded", "was justified", or "was supported by evidence". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "had a valid basis" or "has a valid basis"?

The choice between "had a valid basis" and "has a valid basis" depends on the time frame you are referring to. Use "had" for past events or situations and "has" for current or ongoing ones. For example, "The initial complaint "had a valid basis", but new evidence suggests otherwise" versus "The current policy "has a valid basis" in established legal precedent."

What does it mean for something to "have a valid basis"?

For something to "have a valid basis" means that there is a sound, justifiable reason or foundation for it. This implies that the reason is logical, supported by evidence, and legally or morally acceptable.