on a private basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a private basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being done privately or confidentially, without public disclosure. Example: "The negotiations will be conducted on a private basis to ensure confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The officers are then compensated on a private basis through the association.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be booked on a private basis thereafter, costing £48 for groups of up to 20.

The Guardian - Travel

Some hedge funds have contributed locally on a private basis, she said, but they tend "to be a little more under the radar screen".

The New York Times

Two workers were killed and four injured in the blast, according to the mine's proprietor, Wang Quanquan, who had contracted in March to run the Yixingzhai village gold mine, in Shanxi Province, on a private basis.

The New York Times

It is conducted mostly on a private basis, even in the middle of public temples or thronged processions, between a single worshiper and a single, personally selected god or goddess.

The New York Times - Arts

These derived from the ideas of social Christianity regarding "the just wage" and had originally been introduced by Christian employers on a private basis; special funds were later set up to equalize financial burdens among employers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

We do not expect the usual high standards of care and services to change as a result of the introduction of TN as the nurse who gives the TN consultation is self-employed and provides the service on a private individual basis.

BMC Pediatrics

The interviewees with post graduate academic education, had taken action on this issue by establishing private clinics without any federal subsidies: I have chosen to work on a 100% private basis without any kind of federal subsidies.

BMC Medical Ethics

They may also find themselves advising local and national government on crime and disorder issues, often on a private consulting basis.

Independent

The interviews were conducted on an individual basis in a private room of the patient self-help group, between May and August 2012.

BMC Family Practice

This is often best done in private, on an individual basis, as it will remove the fear that some students have of being publicly judged.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a private basis" to clearly indicate that an arrangement, discussion, or service is conducted confidentially and not for public knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "on a private basis" excessively in formal or academic writing when simpler alternatives like "privately" or "confidentially" can convey the same meaning more concisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a private basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done privately, confidentially, or without public knowledge, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a private basis" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions adverbially. According to Ludwig, its primary purpose is to indicate that an action or arrangement is conducted confidentially, discreetly, or without public disclosure. While versatile, it's most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "privately", "confidentially", or "discreetly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, avoiding overuse in formal academic writing is suggested, favoring conciseness. This phrase offers a clear and direct way to communicate the terms and conditions of private or confidential interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

privately

A direct synonym emphasizing non-public nature.

in private

Focuses on the location or setting of the action, implying secrecy.

confidentially

Emphasizes the secrecy and discretion involved.

discreetly

Highlights the cautious and subtle manner in which something is done.

behind closed doors

Suggests secrecy and exclusion from public view.

in a confidential manner

More formal way of saying "confidentially".

in secrecy

Highlights the clandestine nature of the action.

personally

Focuses on the individual involvement, less on secrecy.

off the record

Implies that information is not for public release.

on an individual basis

Shifts focus to individual attention rather than secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "on a private basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a private basis" to indicate that something is being done privately or confidentially, without public disclosure. For example: "The negotiations will be conducted "on a private basis" to ensure confidentiality."

What are some alternatives to "on a private basis"?

Alternatives to "on a private basis" include "in private", "confidentially", or "discreetly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "privately" or "on a private basis"?

While both are correct, "privately" is often more concise and suitable for many contexts. "On a private basis" can add emphasis to the formal or structured nature of the arrangement.

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

"On a private basis" emphasizes confidentiality and lack of public disclosure, whereas "on an individual basis" highlights personalized or one-on-one interaction.