it was based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is derived from or influenced by another source, idea, or work. Example: "The movie was based on a bestselling novel, which captivated audiences worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was based on confusion.

The New Yorker

It was based on something true.

The New Yorker

It was based on an R.A.F.

The New Yorker

"It was based on several.

The Guardian - Books

It was based on prejudice".

The Guardian

However, it was based on mutual negotiations.

Yale University

(It was based on Byron's "Childe Harold").

The New York Times

It was based on a play.

The New York Times

It was based on European modal melodies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was based on the novel.

The New York Times

It was based on secret recordings of..

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was based on", ensure the connection between the subject and its foundation is clear and logical. Provide specific details about what influenced or inspired the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it was based on" without clearly specifying what the subject is based on. For instance, instead of saying "The decision was based on data", be specific: "The decision was based on data from the Q3 sales report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was based on" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject with its origin, foundation, or source of inspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The examples show diverse applications, from films based on novels to decisions based on data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was based on" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile expression used to indicate the foundation, origin, or source of inspiration for a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase sees widespread use across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. When using "it was based on", clarity is key; ensure you explicitly state what the subject derives from to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "it stemmed from" or "it originated from" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stemmed from

Replaces "based on" with "stemmed from", indicating origin or derivation.

it derived from

Substitutes "based on" with "derived from", emphasizing the source or origin.

it originated from

Replaces "based on" with "originated from", highlighting the starting point or beginning.

it was grounded in

Substitutes "based on" with "grounded in", suggesting a firm foundation or basis.

it drew from

Replaces "was based on" with "drew from", implying influence or inspiration from something.

it was predicated on

Uses "predicated on" instead of "based on", indicating a logical foundation or assumption.

it took inspiration from

Replaces "based on" with "took inspiration from", emphasizing the role of influence and creativity.

it was modeled after

Uses "modeled after" instead of "based on", suggesting imitation or replication of a design.

it was constructed upon

Substitutes "based on" with "constructed upon", emphasizing a building or developmental aspect.

its foundation was

Rephrases the sentence structure to focus on the foundation.

FAQs

How to use "it was based on" in a sentence?

Use "it was based on" to indicate the foundation, origin, or inspiration for something. For example, "The movie "it was based on the novel" by Jane Austen".

What can I say instead of "it was based on"?

You can use alternatives like "it stemmed from", "it derived from", or "it originated from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was based on" or "it is based on"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "it was based on" for past events or completed actions, and "it is based on" for current or ongoing situations. For example: "The study "it is based on current research" methods".

What's the difference between "it was based on" and "it was inspired by"?

"It was based on" implies a direct foundation or origin, while "it was inspired by" suggests influence or creative motivation. The former is more literal, the latter more figurative.