legitimate basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legitimate basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a valid reason or justification for an action, decision, or belief. Example: "The committee found that there was a legitimate basis for the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no legitimate basis for these assertions.

The Guardian

"The discipline is ridiculous and has no legitimate basis.

The Guardian - Sport

They are not sacrosanct and not the only legitimate basis for the functioning of the EU.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It cannot form the legitimate basis of any alteration to the status of Crimea," she said.

The Guardian

Recidivism has long been recognized as a legitimate basis for increased punishment.

The New York Times

He maintains beautiful buildings and he's never brought a case without a legitimate basis".

The New York Times

There is no counterfactual, and therefore no legitimate basis on which to make a savings estimate.

The Guardian

Is there a legitimate basis for the cross-cultural appraisal of values?

The New York Times

The first necessity was to establish a legitimate basis of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This does not appear to be a legitimate basis for overturning the act.

The New York Times

"The purpose of the settlement discussion is to establish the legitimate basis on which the service can continue," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Focus on providing concrete examples and evidence to substantiate the claim when using "legitimate basis" in legal or ethical arguments.

Common error

A common mistake is to assert that something has a "legitimate basis" without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning. Always ensure there is demonstrable support for your claim to avoid weakening your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition (e.g., "on a legitimate basis") or as a complement to a verb (e.g., "there is a legitimate basis"). Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate basis" is a commonly used noun phrase that serves to justify or validate an action, belief, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and legal discussions, indicating its versatility and importance in formal communication. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide concrete evidence to support the claim of legitimacy. Alternatives such as "valid reason" or "justifiable cause" can be considered depending on the specific context, although the core meaning remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legitimate justification

Is a redundant variation; maintains the core meaning without significant semantic shift.

valid reason

Emphasizes the reason being officially or legally acceptable.

justifiable cause

Highlights the existence of sufficient reasons to defend or validate an action.

sound foundation

Focuses on the reliability and strength of the underlying principles.

valid justification

Stresses the act of proving something to be reasonable or correct.

reasonable grounds

Implies the presence of logical or rational reasons for a belief or action.

lawful reason

Indicates that the reason complies with the law.

proper foundation

Highlights that the foundation is suitable and correct for a particular purpose.

well-founded reason

Emphasizes that the reason is based on solid evidence or logic.

defensible rationale

Suggests that the rationale can be supported against criticism or challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "legitimate basis" to describe a valid reason or justification for an action, decision, or belief. For example: "The court determined there was no "legitimate basis" for the lawsuit."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate basis"?

Some alternatives to "legitimate basis" include "valid reason", "justifiable cause", or "sound foundation", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "legitimate basis" and "valid reason"?

While similar, "legitimate basis" often implies a more formal or legal justification, whereas "valid reason" can be used in more general contexts. Both terms indicate a sound and acceptable rationale.

What constitutes a "legitimate basis" in legal terms?

In legal terms, a "legitimate basis" refers to a legally recognized and justifiable reason for taking a particular action or making a specific decision. It must comply with applicable laws and regulations.