on a optional basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a optional basis" is not correct.
It should be "on an optional basis." You can use this phrase when indicating that participation or involvement is not mandatory and is left to the discretion of the individual. Example: "The workshop will be offered on an optional basis, allowing employees to choose whether they want to attend."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is allowed on an optional basis in the United States for certain corporations having only one class of stock and no more than 10 shareholders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it could be done on an optional basis.

The New York Times

The center wouldn't oppose offering full utility reporting on an optional basis, he said.

The New York Times

The ACT said 16 states paid for all students to take the test as part of a statewide testing program, with others funding testing on an optional basis.

The Washington Post

General Motors said, how ever, that it believed that it could install the bags in many cars on an optional basis be fore that date.

The New York Times

It was put in place for entry-level roles, such as trainees and apprenticeships, last year, and expanded in April to all vacant positions at the BBC on an optional basis.

The Guardian

The new version of Apps will be available on an optional basis to current users.

Forbes

In addition, and on an optional basis, we asked the participating laboratories to (c) estimate the performance of real human observers from a psychophysical experiment of their choice.

Duke University

So, we're working on a way of allowing reader participation (on an optional basis) that offers something new and different that comments don't.

TechCrunch

Insurers providing coverage on an optional basis provided cost figures of $0.25 to $5.58 per month ($3.00 to $66.96 per year) per individual policyholder and from $0.25 to $3.98 per month ($3.00 to $47.76 per year) per group certificate holder for the coverage required by House Bill 383/1737.2 Only the lowest of the provider projections in 2002 have turned out to have any validity.

Health Economics Review

The market premium was introduced under the EEG 2012 on an optional basis, allowing plant operators a monthly choice between receiving the FIT and leaving the marketing of electricity to transmission system operators (TSOs), or receiving the sliding FIP and marketing electricity directly.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "on an optional basis" instead of "on a optional basis" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" before words that start with a vowel sound. Using "an" instead of "a" corrects this common error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a optional basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, intending to modify a verb by describing the manner in which an action is performed. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically incorrect. The proper construction is "on an optional basis."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a optional basis" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "on an optional basis". This aims to convey that something is available as a choice, not mandatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, the incorrect form arises from misusing the article 'a' before a word starting with a vowel sound. Consider alternatives such as "on a voluntary basis" or "at one's discretion" for clearer communication. Ensure proper article usage for grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an optional basis

Corrects the grammatical error by changing "a" to "an" before the vowel sound.

on a voluntary basis

Indicates that participation is not required, but chosen freely.

at one's discretion

Implies that the decision is left to someone's judgment.

optional

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is not mandatory.

not required

Emphasizes the lack of obligation.

elective

Suggests a choice is available.

discretionary

Highlights the freedom to choose.

non-compulsory

A more formal term for not being required.

by choice

Highlights that something is done out of personal will.

if desired

Indicates the action happens only if the individual wishes so.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say something is optional?

The correct phrase is "on an optional basis". The article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What can I say instead of "on a optional basis"?

Consider using alternatives like "on an optional basis", "on a voluntary basis", or "at one's discretion".

Is "on a optional basis" grammatically correct?

No, "on a optional basis" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "on an optional basis". The indefinite article "an" is used before words that start with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "on a optional basis" and "on an optional basis"?

"On a optional basis" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of the article "a" before the vowel sound in "optional". The correct phrase is "on an optional basis", where "an" is used instead.