historical basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"historical basis" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the historical evidence or facts that support a particular statement or claim. Example: The decision to invade the neighboring country was based on a historical basis, with references to past conflicts and territorial disputes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What's the historical basis for the French-American rivalry?

The New Yorker

There is no historical basis to believe that it won't".

The New York Times

Yet yields remain extraordinarily low on a historical basis.

The New York Times

On a historical basis, even a year of declining employment is a mere blip.

The New York Times

Other films with a historical basis - Downfall and The Lives of Others - have pulled big attendances.

The Guardian

A failed state is just rhetoric without a substantial theoretical or historical basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the assassin persona is, well, less concerned with the historical basis of double consciousness.

The New York Times - Arts

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Wood, metallic ores, and waterpower constitute the historical basis for Sweden's industrial economy.

Britannica

(Yields and prices move in opposite directions). Yet yields remain extraordinarily low on a historical basis.

The New York Times

But contemporary theologians, historians and priests have been challenging the historical basis of the Vatican's assertion.

The New York Times

Only a few places, such as Yorkshire, have some historical basis for a claim to regionhood.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "historical basis", ensure you can clearly articulate the specific historical events, facts, or trends that support your claim. Provide sufficient detail to establish a credible link between the past and present.

Common error

Avoid making broad statements about "historical basis" without specific evidence. For example, instead of saying "This policy has a historical basis", specify "This policy's historical basis can be traced back to similar initiatives implemented during the Industrial Revolution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historical basis" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the foundation or justification for a claim, argument, or phenomenon, rooted in past events or historical evidence. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase clarifies origins or provides support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historical basis" is a noun phrase frequently used to denote that something is grounded in or justified by historical facts or events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and academic writing. When using "historical basis", ensure you can clearly articulate the specific historical events that support your claim. Common errors include overgeneralizing historical connections without sufficient evidence. Alternative phrases like "historical foundation" and "historical precedent" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase appears most often in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical foundation

Emphasizes the role of history as a supporting element.

historical grounding

Highlights the idea of something being firmly rooted in history.

historical precedent

Focuses on past events that serve as a justification or example.

historical justification

Underscores the use of history to defend or validate a claim.

historical context

Points to the surrounding historical circumstances that give meaning to something.

historical origins

Highlights the beginning and development of something from a historical perspective.

historical roots

Emphasizes the deep and fundamental connection to the past.

historical evidence

Focuses on the factual basis provided by historical records.

historical data

Highlights the use of collected historical information to support a point.

traditional basis

Implies a long-standing custom or practice that serves as the foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "historical basis" in a sentence?

You can use "historical basis" to indicate that a claim, argument, or idea is supported by historical facts or events. For example, "The claim that the two countries were natural allies had a strong historical basis".

What phrases are similar to "historical basis"?

Similar phrases include "historical foundation", "historical grounding", or "historical precedent". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "historical basis" or "historical foundation"?

Both "historical basis" and "historical foundation" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The best choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to give to the sentence. "Historical basis" emphasizes the support from history, while "historical foundation" emphasizes the groundwork provided by history.

Can "historical basis" be used to justify current actions?

Yes, "historical basis" is often used to justify current actions by drawing parallels or precedents from past events. However, it's crucial to ensure the historical connection is accurate and relevant to avoid misrepresenting the past.