on a individual basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a individual basis" is not correct.
It should be "on an individual basis." You can use it when referring to treating or considering each person or case separately rather than as a group. Example: "We will evaluate each application on an individual basis to ensure fairness."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On a individual basis, the past 12 months could not have gone any better for the Portugal captain.

BBC

Finally, we carried out a small survey among the fifteen physicians to find out which aspects of compliance were most important for them when making this assessment on a individual basis.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I have learned just one thing: on an individual basis, admission statistics are meaningless.

The New York Times

Each person needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and there is no one-size-fits-all solution".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every single one of those events has to be looked at on an individual basis.

Forbes

Parents will decide on an individual basis.

The New York Times

We do it on an individual basis.

The Guardian

Cases are tackled on an individual basis.

The Guardian

And they can be helped only on an individual basis.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, on an individual basis, these stereotypes ring true.

The Guardian

But that help must be offered on an individual basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the grammatically correct form: "on an individual basis". Remember that "individual" starts with a vowel sound, thus requiring "an" instead of "a".

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words that begin with a vowel sound. This is a common error. Always use "an" before vowel sounds, regardless of the first letter of the word.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a individual basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate that actions or decisions are performed separately for each person or item. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "on an individual basis".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a individual basis" is an incorrect grammatical construction. The correct form is "on an individual basis". As Ludwig AI notes, the error lies in using the indefinite article "a" before the word "individual", which begins with a vowel sound; "an" is required instead. While the phrase aims to convey that items or people are considered separately, its incorrect grammar detracts from its effectiveness. It appears mostly in news and media and scientific sources. Remember to use "on an individual basis" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an individual basis

Corrects the grammatical error by using "an" instead of "a" before the vowel sound of "individual".

on a case-by-case basis

Focuses on specific instances or situations rather than specific persons.

individually

A single-word adverb that conveys the same meaning of separate consideration.

one by one

Emphasizes the sequential and separate handling of items or people.

separately

Highlights the distinct and non-collective nature of the evaluation or action.

on a per-person basis

Specifically refers to calculations or allocations done for each person.

for each individual

Emphasizes that every single person receives distinct attention.

in each particular instance

Highlights specific events or occurrences being considered distinctly.

on its own merits

Implies evaluating something based on its qualities alone, without comparing.

by person

A shortened, more direct way to indicate individual assessment.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "on a individual basis"?

The correct phrase is "on an individual basis". The article "an" should be used before "individual" because it begins with a vowel sound.

When should I use "on an individual basis"?

Use "on an individual basis" when you want to express that something is considered or handled separately for each person or item, rather than as a group. For example, "Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis".

What are some alternatives to "on an individual basis"?

Alternatives to "on an individual basis" include phrases like "individually", "on a case-by-case basis", or "separately". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "on an individual basis" and "individually"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "on an individual basis" is a prepositional phrase, while "individually" is an adverb. Using "individually" can sometimes make your writing more concise.