mostly based on

USAGE SUMMARY

"mostly based on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been created or decided based primarily on something else. For example: "The plan of action is mostly based on the data we collected during our research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Credit is mostly based on one hour's activity.

BMC Medical Education

Therefore, strains classification is mostly based on one or more host plants [ 6].

BioMed Research International

The equations are mostly based on one descriptor, but they can involve up to 27 descriptors.

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology

Earthquake prediction is mostly based on probability.

The New York Times

This decision was mostly based on our interests and coursework.

Cornell University

As you know, political parties are mostly based on volunteers.

The Guardian

Still, he said, "it's mostly based on trust".

The New York Times - Travel

That is mostly based on your academic record," she said.

The New York Times - Health

They are mostly based on the PI controller.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Existing works are mostly based on dichotomous or polychotomous responses.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

The course is mostly based on current or very recent literature.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly based on", ensure that the remaining portion (not "based on") is either negligible or clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The research was mostly based on surveys, with some interviews to provide qualitative data."

Common error

Avoid using "mostly based on" when the foundation is actually quite weak or speculative. Using words like "partially", or "somewhat" might be more truthful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly based on" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the primary foundation or derivation of something, suggesting that while not entirely dependent on one thing, it is significantly influenced by it. It is used to qualify the basis or origin of an idea, decision, or creation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mostly based on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the primary foundation or influence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a wide range of contexts, including science, news, academia, and general conversation. While alternatives like "largely dependent on" or "primarily reliant upon" exist, the phrase remains a clear and effective way to indicate that something is primarily, but not entirely, derived from a particular source. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that the remaining portion is either negligible or clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely dependent on

This alternative emphasizes reliance as the key factor, shifting the focus from the base to the dependence.

heavily reliant on

Swapping "based" for "reliant" amplifies the dependence.

primarily reliant upon

This phrase replaces "based" with "reliant", suggesting a stronger dependency. It also uses the more formal "upon".

mainly predicated on

This option introduces "predicated", highlighting the assertion of a foundation or basis for something.

chiefly determined by

This phrase puts stress on the element of determination, implying a causal relationship that directs the outcome.

substantially grounded in

By using "grounded", this variation suggests a firm and significant basis or origin.

significantly influenced by

Here, "influenced" is used to express that the base has had a notable effect, altering the original condition.

fundamentally constructed upon

This indicates that the core structure is made up on specific ideas, adding a constructive aspect to the term.

largely stem from

The term "stem from" specifies that something originates or develops from something else.

considerably originate from

This alternative emphasizes the origin and magnitude of the originating factor.

FAQs

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

Use "mostly based on" to indicate that something is primarily, but not entirely, derived from or dependent on something else. For example: "The movie adaptation is "loosely based on" the novel."

What are some alternatives to "mostly based on"?

You can use alternatives such as "largely dependent on", "primarily reliant upon", or "mainly predicated on" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "mainly based on" instead of "mostly based on"?

"Mainly based on" and "mostly based on" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Mainly" suggests the primary component, while "mostly" suggests a larger proportion, but the difference is often negligible.

What is the difference between "mostly based on" and "partially based on"?

"Mostly based on" implies that something is primarily derived from a particular source, while "partially based on" suggests only a fraction comes from that source. The degree of influence is significantly different.