on a face to face basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a face to face basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe interactions or communications that occur in person rather than through digital means or other forms of communication. Example: "We prefer to discuss sensitive matters on a face to face basis to ensure clarity and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

All the interviews with key informants lasted approximately one hour and were conducted on a face-to-face basis in the four hospitals by SC or OB.

F1000Research

Most insurers offer a number of different direct sales channels, including telephone sales, internet and - less commonly - sales representatives who sell on a face-to-face basis.

The Guardian - Money

"This was handled on a face-to-face basis by talking to consumers directly," explains Vasu Padmanabhan, CEO of Sarvajal.

TechCrunch

Clinicians based in hospitals are able to attend in-house meetings and conferences, interact on a face-to-face basis with radiologists, view images and engage in discussion with the reporting radiologist.

Insights into Imaging

The program itself appears to be based on giving you a "normal" life: interaction with other human beings on a face-to-face basis; life skills training; vocational development (that I could totally use); fitness; and, if you need it, psychological help.

TechCrunch

Three options seem available to him: somehow persuade China to compel Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear quest; negotiate a disarmament deal directly with Kim, possibly even on a face-to-face basis; or engage in (presumably nonnuclear) preemptive strikes aimed at destroying the North's nuclear and missile-production capabilities.

Huffington Post

Data will be collected for both groups on a face-to-face basis in the person's home.

BMC Palliative Care

The 6 month interview is held on a face-to-face basis and explores participants' views and experiences of PND, the trial and usual care.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The second strand of the study suggested that it is feasible to conduct a survey to elicit monetary values for a QALY from a representative sample of the public so long as the procedure is broken down into manageable steps and is carried out on a face-to-face basis by well-trained interviewers.

BMC Health Services Research

Of the 27 eligible women, 17 (63%) consented to participate, eight of whom lived locally and therefore received weekly contacts with the exercise physiologist on a face-to-face basis, while the remaining nine women, received their weekly contacts over the telephone.

BMC Cancer

A participant information sheet and consent form/contraindications check will be distributed via the nursery school 2 3 weeks in advance of the consent visit and/or at least 24 h prior to consent being sought on a face-to-face basis, when a study team member present at the nursery school will explain the exact nature of the study, answer any questions and address any concerns.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a face to face basis" when emphasizing the importance of in-person communication for clarity or sensitivity. For example, "Discussing complex issues on a face to face basis can prevent misunderstandings."

Common error

Avoid using "on a face to face basis" in casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "in person" or "personally" would suffice. Overly formal language can sound stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a face to face basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify how an action is performed. It indicates that the action occurs through direct, in-person interaction. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes the manner of communication or interaction.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a face to face basis" is a prepositional phrase indicating direct, in-person interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but notes its absence in the provided examples, leading to a 'Missing' frequency rating. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider context and formality. In casual situations, simpler alternatives like "in person" may be more appropriate. The phrase functions adverbially, emphasizing the manner of communication or interaction, and its usage leans toward professional and neutral formality. The phrase highlights the value of direct communication, particularly when clarity or sensitivity is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face-to-face

This alternative removes the preposition 'on a'.

in person

This alternative is shorter and more direct.

one-on-one

This alternative emphasizes individual interaction.

personally

This alternative focuses on the individual's direct involvement.

in direct communication

This alternative is more descriptive and emphasizes the act of communicating.

through personal interaction

This alternative focuses on the nature of the interaction.

directly

This alternative emphasizes the absence of intermediaries.

with direct contact

This alternative stresses the element of physical contact.

vis-à-vis

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes direct confrontation or interaction.

head-to-head

This alternative suggests a direct confrontation or competition.

FAQs

What does "on a face to face basis" mean?

The phrase "on a face to face basis" means interacting or communicating directly with someone in person, rather than through digital channels or other indirect methods.

When is it appropriate to use "on a face to face basis"?

Use "on a face to face basis" when you want to emphasize the direct and personal nature of an interaction, especially when discussing sensitive or complex matters. Using alternatives such as "in person" or "personally" could work too.

Are there any alternatives to "on a face to face basis"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "in person", "personally", or "directly" depending on the context. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on a face to face basis" formal or informal?

The phrase "on a face to face basis" is relatively formal. In more casual settings, using "in person" is often preferred.