is substantially based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is substantially based on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is largely derived from or influenced by another source or idea. Example: "The new policy is substantially based on the recommendations from the recent study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is substantially based on multi-scale and fractal concepts.

Wear

The use of this scale is substantially based on the hypothesis that there is a positive correlation between a phobic attitude towards food with a high technological content, on the one hand, and a more general aversion to novelties and little confidence in science, on the other (Cox and Evans 2008; Evans et al. 2010a; Evans et al. 2010b).

Agricultural and Food Economics

The ratio of these policies is substantially based on the idea, supported by mainstream literature, that coordinated relationships in the supply chain are particularly advantageous for small farms allowing them to mitigate market risks and face the market failures, such as the lack of innovative strategies, as well as poor access to credit and insurance and so on.

Agricultural and Food Economics

The Canberra Central district is substantially based on Walter Burley Griffin's designs.

Wikipedia

While the book is substantially based on Perlmutter Rozines' recollections, it is classified as historical fiction since Roy included fictionalized dialogue.

Wikipedia

This is substantially based on the fact that that addictions and bulimic type ED share phenomenological characteristics such as escalating frequency of the behavior, increased salience of food/drug stimuli, ambivalence towards treatment and frequent relapse [ 15, 16].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The work of these engineers was substantially based on pioneering research and development by a team of British engineers and scientists at the National Physical Laboratory, a government R&D establishment, under its leader Donald Davies.

The Guardian - Tech

The reputation the second century won as a golden age was substantially based on the unusual stability of the political establishment during this period and on the economic prosperity that helped to nurture.

The New York Times - Arts

Where there's a will, there is, indeed, a way: a meme now circulating throughout the denialosphere is that the IPCC's conclusions about regional warmth contradict our findings, despite the fact that those conclusions are substantially based on our findings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Janine Gordon, who is known as JahJah and is also a musician and multimedia artist, has filed suit against Mr. McGinley in federal court in Manhattan, saying that at least 150 of his photographs are "substantially based" on her work and are violations of her copyright protections.

The New York Times

In July, Janine Gordon, who is known as JahJah and is also a musician and multimedia artist, sued Mr. McGinley — who is best known for his artfully constructed visions of young men and women — claiming that at least 150 of his photographs were "substantially based" on her own and were violations of her copyright.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is substantially based on", ensure the subject truly has a significant and measurable connection to the base. Avoid using it for minor influences.

Common error

Avoid using "is substantially based on" if the connection is tenuous or minor. Use weaker phrasing like "is inspired by" or "draws inspiration from" instead to avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is substantially based on" functions as a linking phrase, indicating a significant dependency or derivation. It connects a subject with the foundation, source, or principle upon which it relies. Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is substantially based on" effectively conveys a significant reliance or derivation of one thing from another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase serves to explain the core foundations of a subject. While "is substantially based on" is a useful phrase, writers should ensure that the connection between the subject and its foundation is genuinely significant to avoid overstatement and, where appropriate, consider alternatives like "is largely derived from" for clarity and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is considerably shaped by

Indicates that the form and nature of something is significantly molded by an external factor.

is significantly influenced by

Focuses on the impact one thing has on another, rather than a complete foundation.

is largely informed by

Emphasizes that information and knowledge from one thing significantly shape another.

is primarily derived from

Highlights the origin of something, suggesting it has been taken or developed from another source.

is materially based on

Focuses on the tangible or factual basis, suggesting something has concrete foundations.

is largely predicated on

Indicates a core assumption or foundation, emphasizing the logical basis more strongly than direct influence.

is fundamentally rooted in

Suggests a deeper, more inherent connection, implying that something grows from a base.

is essentially constructed from

Highlights the building blocks, suggesting that something is made up of elements from another source.

is heavily reliant on

Emphasizes the dependency aspect, suggesting that something cannot function without the other.

is greatly dependent on

Focuses on reliance, indicating that success or existence hinges on something else.

FAQs

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

Use "is substantially based on" to show that one thing relies heavily on another for its core ideas, structure, or content. For example, "The movie's plot "is substantially based on" a classic novel."

What are some alternatives to "is substantially based on"?

Alternatives include "is largely derived from", "is significantly influenced by", or "is heavily reliant on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "based off of" is sometimes used informally, "is substantially based on" is generally considered more formal and grammatically correct in academic and professional writing.

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

"Is substantially based on" indicates a strong and direct connection, while "is loosely based on" suggests a weaker, more interpretive adaptation with significant departures from the original source.