has its basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has its basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the foundation or underlying reason for something. Example: "The theory has its basis in extensive research conducted over several decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This may sound like a cliché you're more likely to hear in careers advice circles, but, as with most clichés, it has its basis in truth.

The Guardian

The focus group was first mentioned as a market research technique in the 1920s [ 12], but it has its basis in social science.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

MORS-SF has its basis in attachment theory; it aims to provide an assessment on two key axes of mother's internal working models of their infants.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It's a notion that has its basis in artistic form.

The New Yorker

Rune, however, has no intention of facilitating female vengeance; Harriet discovers that male power has its basis in absolute selfishness, and that in fact it is he who has used her.

The Guardian - Books

More recently, it has been maintained that the Humean approach has its basis not in a philosophical account of motivation, but rather in our understanding of what explains peoples' reasons for action (Schroeder 2007).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

However, his persistent lack of generosity toward Mankiewicz started at the time the movie came out, and it may have its basis in a very specific grievance.

The New Yorker

The project had its basis in fandom.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kennedy's liberalism had its basis in something different — New Deal meliorism, with its hopeful spirit of reform.

The New York Times

"Mandela's personal and political authority had its basis in his principled defence of armed resistance to apartheid and in the harsh punishment he suffered for that resistance.

The Guardian

Where Kemalism had its basis in economic isolationism and cultural Westernization, these businessmen wanted just the opposite: Western-style capitalism and a Turkish culture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has its basis" to clearly indicate the foundation or origin of an idea, theory, or practice. It adds a layer of credibility by suggesting a reasoned or established underpinning.

Common error

Avoid using "has its basis" in overly verbose sentences. Sometimes, a simpler phrasing like "is based on" or "stems from" can be more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has its basis" functions as a linking phrase, indicating that a concept, idea, or practice is founded or derived from something else. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has its basis" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the origin or foundation of an idea, theory, or practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "is based on" or "stems from" exist, "has its basis" provides a nuanced way to emphasize the reasoned or established underpinnings of a subject. When using the phrase, ensure it contributes to clarity and avoid redundancy for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rooted in

Emphasizes a deep, inherent connection or origin, suggesting a more fundamental or historical foundation compared to "has its basis".

is founded on

Highlights the establishment or creation of something based on a particular principle or idea, similar to having a basis but with a connotation of deliberate construction.

is predicated on

Suggests that something is affirmed or based on a certain condition or assumption, implying a logical dependency that "has its basis" might not always convey.

stems from

Focuses on the origin or cause of something, often implying a natural or developmental progression from that source.

derives from

Indicates that something is obtained or received from a source, emphasizing the extraction or derivation of qualities or characteristics.

originates in

Highlights the place or point where something begins, focusing on the initial source or starting point.

is attributable to

Connects something to a specific cause or source, often used when identifying the reason or explanation for an event or characteristic.

is traceable to

Implies that something can be followed back to its origin or source, emphasizing the ability to track its development or history.

is sourced from

Highlights the origin or provider of something, often used in contexts where the supply or origin is important.

finds its source in

Emphasizes the act of discovering the origin or cause, often implying a process of investigation or uncovering.

FAQs

How can I use "has its basis" in a sentence?

Use "has its basis" to show the foundation or origin of something, as in "The argument "has its basis" in historical evidence".

What are some alternatives to "has its basis"?

Alternatives include "is based on", "is founded on", or "stems from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has it's basis" instead of "has its basis"?

No, "has it's basis" is incorrect. "Its" is the possessive form of "it", while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has". The correct phrase is ""has its basis"".

What's the difference between "has its basis" and "is rooted in"?

"Has its basis" generally indicates a foundation, while "is rooted in" suggests a deeper, more inherent connection or origin.