not based on facts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not based on facts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement, belief, or argument that lacks factual support or evidence. Example: "The claims made in the article are not based on facts and should be taken with skepticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

They are not based on facts".

The New York Times

The governor's statements are not based on facts.

Cornell University

"I have repeatedly stated that these accusations were not based on facts," Ms. Brink said today.

The New York Times

"There are a lot of myths around the place and often they're not based on facts.

The Guardian

That's because belief in a conspiracy is not based on facts and logic, Brotherton explains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It added that the dawn attack was not based on facts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"That's not based on fact; it's sort of an urban myth".

The New York Times

Vince called Hayes's opposition to wind "ideological" and a stance not based on fact or economics.

The Guardian

This story of a real-life Walter Mitty, would not be remotely credible were it not based on fact.

The Guardian

However, according to Jon Tinker, of Expedition Outfit, the company that organised the climb, this theory is not based on fact.

The Guardian

Earlier, it issued a statement condemning the Caixin report as "irresponsible" and saying it was not based on fact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing claims, use "not based on facts" to directly challenge the validity of the assertion, emphasizing that it lacks empirical support and is therefore unreliable.

Common error

Avoid using "not based on facts" as a general dismissal without specifying why the statement is factually incorrect. Provide specific examples or counter-evidence to strengthen your critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not based on facts" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing something as lacking a foundation in verifiable information. Ludwig's AI and the provided examples confirm its role in challenging the validity of claims.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not based on facts" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a claim, argument, or belief lacks factual support. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase, serving to express disagreement or skepticism, frequently in News & Media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific evidence or counter-examples to support your critique and avoid overstating claims without justification. Alternatives like "lacking factual basis" or "unfounded in reality" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking factual basis

Directly states the absence of a factual foundation.

without foundation in fact

Similar to "lacking factual basis" but with a slightly more formal tone.

not supported by evidence

Emphasizes the lack of supporting proof or data.

groundless claim

Emphasizes the lack of any solid foundation for the assertion.

unfounded in reality

Focuses on the disconnect between the statement and the real world, rather than the absence of facts.

contrary to the evidence

Highlights a conflict with existing evidence.

purely speculative

Indicates that the statement is based on conjecture rather than evidence.

built on misinformation

Suggests the statement is actively constructed on false information.

devoid of truth

Strongly asserts the absence of truth in the statement.

erroneous assertion

Highlights the incorrect nature of the statement and its assertive presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "not based on facts" in a sentence?

You can use "not based on facts" to describe a claim, argument, or belief that lacks factual support. For example: "The politician's statements about the economy are "not based on facts" and appear to be driven by political motivations."

What is a more formal alternative to "not based on facts"?

A more formal alternative is "lacking factual basis". This phrase is suitable for academic or professional contexts where a direct but refined tone is preferred.

Is it better to say "not based on facts" or "not based on evidence"?

The choice depends on the context. "Not based on facts" generally refers to the absence of established truths, while "not based on evidence" suggests a lack of supporting data or proof. They are often interchangeable, but "not based on evidence" may be more appropriate in scientific or legal contexts.

What's the difference between ""not based on facts"" and "unfounded in reality"?

"Not based on facts" directly addresses the lack of factual support, while "unfounded in reality" emphasizes the disconnect between the statement and the actual state of things. "Unfounded in reality" suggests the statement is impractical or unrealistic, in addition to being factually unsupported.