is based on

USAGE SUMMARY

"is based on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the origin of something, for example "The story is based on a true event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Knowledge is based on forgetting.

The Guardian - Tech

Again this is based on step one.

WikiHow

Bitcoin is based on cryptography.

The New Yorker

"Everything is based on materials".

The New York Times - Arts

It is based on performance.

The New York Times - Sports

It is based on need".

The New York Times

It is based on perceptions.

The Economist

It is based on duty.

The Economist

But stability is based on separation.

The Economist

This is based on baseball science".

The New York Times - Sports

"Venus" is based on a Bonnard painting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is based on", ensure that the relationship between the subject and the foundation is clear and direct. Vague connections can weaken the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "is based on" without providing evidence or reasoning. Make sure to substantiate the claim to enhance credibility and avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is based on" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description of its foundation, origin, or principle. As Ludwig highlights, it indicates a dependency or derivation. Examples show this across contexts from news to encyclopedias.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is based on" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for establishing foundations and origins. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It clarifies dependencies, grounding concepts in specific principles or sources. With a neutral register, it seamlessly integrates into various contexts, from formal academic papers to news reports. The examples from Ludwig showcase its widespread application, demonstrating its effectiveness in conveying foundational relationships across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relies upon

Emphasizes dependence on something for support or function.

draws from

Highlights the act of taking inspiration or elements from a source.

stems from

Indicates origin or cause, suggesting a beginning point.

is rooted in

Suggests a deep, fundamental connection or origin.

is predicated on

Implies a necessary condition or assumption.

is founded on

Focuses on the establishment or creation upon a base.

hinges on

Emphasizes that the outcome depends critically on a specific point.

derives from

Highlights the process of obtaining or developing from a source.

is contingent on

Highlights the conditional nature, emphasizing that something depends on another factor.

is constructed upon

Suggests a deliberate building or assembly process with a specific foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "is based on" in a sentence?

Use "is based on" to show that something relies on a particular foundation or principle. For example, "The movie is based on a true story" or "Her argument is based on solid evidence".

What are some alternatives to "is based on"?

You can use alternatives like "relies upon", "stems from", or "is rooted in" to express a similar relationship.

Is it correct to say "is base on" instead of "is based on"?

No, "is base on" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "is based on", using the past participle of the verb "to base".

What's the difference between "is based on" and "depends on"?

"Is based on" indicates a foundation or origin, while "depends on" suggests a conditional relationship. Something that "is based on" something else uses it as a starting point, whereas something that "depends on" something else requires it for a specific outcome.