Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is based only on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"is based only on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are explaining that something is determined by one specific thing or source. For example, "Our understanding of the historical context is based only on the information found in historical documents."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
is exclusively based on
is solely dependent on
relies entirely upon
is strictly determined by
is limited to
is restricted to
is printed only on
is provided only on
is served only on
is shown only on
is played only on
rely only on
count only on
support only on
lean only on
depend only on
rest only on
used only on
rely solely on
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
My recipe is based only on my memory of hers.
News & Media
This report is based only on registered voters.
Academia
Each published report is based only on the trade of suffering".
News & Media
First, this study is based only on evaluation of sites and times chosen by industry.
News & Media
So far dimensioning of RSF is based only on long term rainfall-runoff simulations.
Science
The training is based only on the outputs of sensors collocated with the actuators.
Science
"We regard this as very conservative as it is based only on the value of the existing assets," said Morgan.
News & Media
But information about these suicides is based only on anecdotal reports, not scientific studies, and we know few details.
News & Media
That said, Carlyle partners bristle at any suggestion that the firm's success is based only on high-powered schmoozing.
News & Media
Mr. Icahn said he made this conclusion in his thesis: "Knowledge is based only on what you observe.
News & Media
The analysis is based only on spectral lines thought not to be affected significantly by blending at the LETGS resolution.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "is based only on", ensure that the single factor you're highlighting is indeed the only determinant. Avoid oversimplification if other contributing factors exist.
Common error
Avoid using "is based only on" when multiple factors contribute. Instead, acknowledge the primary factor while recognizing other influences for a more nuanced explanation.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is based only on" functions as a linking verb combined with an adverbial modifier to specify the singular foundation upon which something relies. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to clearly indicate the sole basis for a statement or conclusion.
Frequent in
Science
53%
News & Media
28%
Academia
7%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "is based only on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize that a conclusion or decision relies solely on a specific factor. Ludwig AI validates its usability in various written contexts. The phrase is frequently found in scientific and news-related sources, indicating a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure that the stated factor is indeed the only determinant and avoid oversimplification by acknowledging other influencing elements when applicable. Consider alternatives such as "is exclusively based on" or "relies entirely upon" to fine-tune the emphasis.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is exclusively based on
Emphasizes the exclusivity of the base or foundation, highlighting that nothing else is considered.
is solely dependent on
Focuses on the dependency aspect, indicating reliance on a single element.
relies entirely upon
Stresses the complete reliance on something, suggesting full dependence.
is strictly determined by
Indicates a rigid and inflexible determination based on one factor alone.
is contingent solely on
Highlights the conditional nature, where the outcome depends exclusively on a single condition.
is limited to
Implies restriction, where the basis is confined to a specific aspect.
is derived solely from
Focuses on the source, indicating that the origin is exclusively from a particular element.
hinges exclusively upon
Conveys that something pivotal depends on a single aspect.
is fundamentally rooted in
Stresses the foundational aspect, highlighting the deep-seated origin.
is restricted to
Indicates that the source or basis is specifically confined to one element, without considering others.
FAQs
How can I use "is based only on" in a sentence?
Use "is based only on" to clearly state that a conclusion, decision, or assessment relies solely on a specific piece of information. For example, "The diagnosis "is based only on" clinical symptoms".
What are some alternatives to "is based only on"?
Alternatives include "is exclusively based on", "is solely dependent on", or "relies entirely upon", each emphasizing the singular dependency in slightly different ways.
Is it correct to say "is based solely on" instead of "is based only on"?
Yes, "is based solely on" is a perfectly acceptable and semantically similar alternative to "is based only on". Both phrases emphasize that something relies on a single factor.
What's the difference between "is based only on" and "is partially based on"?
"Is based only on" indicates exclusive reliance on a single factor, while "is partially based on" suggests that the factor is one of several contributing elements. The first is exclusive, the second is inclusive.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested