not without basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"not without basis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not unfounded or arbitrary, but rather that it is based on factual evidence. For example, "He made the decision not without basis; the data clearly supported his conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

These accusations are not without basis.

The New York Times

Her doctor's recommendation was not without basis.

The Guardian

Fear of Communist brainwashing seems an example of Cold War hysteria, but in the nineteen-fifties the fear was not without basis.

The New Yorker

Such an assertion is not without basis in the case of The Mask, in which psychiatrist Dr Allen Barnes inherits a cursed mask that sends him into fits of murderous hysteria.

The Guardian - Film

It's not without basis, as 61% of 27-34 year olds report that they are afraid of missing something if they don't check their mobile devices frequently - otherwise known as "fear of missing out," or FOMO.

The Guardian - Tech

Such fears are not without basis.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sanders's characterization of open borders as "right wing" wasn't without basis.

The New Yorker

He said that he found Thiokol's recommendation not to launch in the cold "without basis" and consequently challenged Thiokol to review its logic and data.

The New York Times

"So my yawn could be interpreted to mean: 'I can't be bothered,' or 'How right you are, my sweetums,' or 'Why not just shut up, hm?' " Alice, clearly enjoying this, says, not entirely without basis, "You are really too charming this evening".

The New Yorker

However they argued the phrase "goyim" was not offensive and accusations that they were indoctrinating children were "without basis".

Independent

An appeal would not be without basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not without basis" to acknowledge that while something might not be entirely correct or justified, it does have some factual or logical support. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not without basis" when the argument or claim is actually strongly supported. This phrase implies a moderate level of justification, not a complete validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not without basis" functions as an adjectival modifier expressing that a claim, fear, or action possesses some degree of justification or factual support. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in diverse contexts, from political accusations to medical recommendations, illustrating the range of subjects it can modify.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not without basis" is a useful tool for acknowledging partial justification or factual support for an argument or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears most frequently in news and academic contexts. Remember to use it when you want to express that something has some merit, but perhaps isn't entirely justified. Be mindful not to overstate the level of justification when using this phrase. Consider alternatives like "not unfounded" or "with some justification" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not unfounded

Implies a lack of groundlessness; slightly more direct.

not unjustified

Indicates fairness exists; focuses on the equitable aspect.

with some justification

More explicitly emphasizes the presence of valid reasoning.

not without reason

Highlights the presence of a logical cause or rationale.

having some merit

Focuses on the inherent value or worth of the idea.

not without cause

Highlights that there's a reason or event that led to the situation.

having a rationale

Underscores the existence of a logical or reasoned explanation.

founded on something

Emphasizes the existence of a foundation or supporting element.

based on something

Highlights the relationship of dependence or derivation.

with some foundation

Similar to "not unfounded", but explicitly mentions a supporting element.

FAQs

How can I use "not without basis" in a sentence?

You can use "not without basis" to suggest that an argument or action has some justification, even if it's not entirely convincing. For example, "The criticism of the policy was "not without basis" given the recent data."

What are some alternatives to "not without basis"?

Alternatives include "not unfounded", "with some justification", or "not without reason". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "not without basis"?

It's suitable when you want to acknowledge that there's a reason or evidence supporting a claim, but you're not fully endorsing it. It implies a partial or limited justification.

Is "not without basis" a formal or informal expression?

"Not without basis" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's not overly colloquial, it's also not strictly confined to academic or business writing.