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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
on a select basis
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"on a select basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It often refers to the consideration of a small number of choices or options. For example, "We offer our internships on a select basis to ensure the applicants are the best fit for our program."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(17)
on a selective basis
selectively
on a limited basis
occasionally
on a selected basis
on a restricted basis
on an individual basis
on a case-by-case basis
on certain occasions
in select instances
on particular occasions
on a chosen basis
on a preferential basis
on a small basis
on a selection basis
on a shift basis
in shifts
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
On the topic of revenue model — the app is free to download — 365Scores tells me the startup is focused on building a mass market audience first and will eventually introduce "advertising, sponsored content and e-commerce on a select basis".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The academy uses the scores to "prequalify" candidates for admission, Commander Spann said, though it makes exceptions "on a selected basis in the best interest of the naval services".
News & Media
Likewise, while stents and bypass are available on a selected basis for the epicardial vessels, no such therapies exist for the small vessel pathology [ 4– 6].
When I realized that day that I could share a never-ending string of opinions on Twitter about what was going on at the conference, and that people who had elected to follow me would see them en masse, and not on an individually selected basis, I was hooked.
News & Media
The document states: "Each association shall on a rotational basis select an individual for the role of British Fifa vice-president for a maximum of four years.
News & Media
The sample of respondents was not selected on a random basis but purposively selected based on likely familiarity with P. juliflora.
Science
Specific measurement pulse sequences and parameters were selected on a pragmatic basis: we chose to select from standard pulse sequences widely available on routinely available imaging platforms with imaging parameters selected to facilitate accurate quantification.
Science
The experienced surgeons, who perform cemented total hip replacement surgery on a regular basis, selected an appropriate total knee replacement system, which is safe and affordable for Zambian patients.
One of the major limitations to this study population is selected on a voluntary basis based on one area elderly population screened, which would potentially introduce selection bias.
DoCoMo says it will still introduce the 3G service on May 30, the originally scheduled date, but only on a trial basis to a select group of 4,000 users.
News & Media
Another major limitation to this study population is selected on a voluntary basis, which would potentially introduce selection bias.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "on a select basis" when you want to emphasize that something is available or chosen for a specific, often limited, group or purpose. It implies careful consideration and a deliberate choice.
Common error
Avoid using "on a select basis" when simpler language like "selectively" or "occasionally" would suffice. Overly formal phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "on a select basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is done or offered. It specifies that the action is performed only for certain individuals or under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
4%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "on a select basis" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is available or done for a specific, limited group or circumstance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It carries a formal tone and is mostly found in news, science, and business contexts. While the phrase isn't extremely common, its use is consistent and implies a deliberate choice or careful consideration. For alternative phrasings, consider using "on a selective basis" or "selectively" to convey similar meanings while maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
on a selective basis
Replaces "select" with "selective", emphasizing the discriminating nature of the selection.
on a limited basis
Focuses on the restricted quantity or availability rather than the choice itself.
on a restricted basis
Similar to "limited basis", but suggests stricter constraints.
on an individual basis
Shifts the focus to considering each case separately.
on a case-by-case basis
Highlights that decisions are made individually for each specific situation.
on certain occasions
Indicates that something happens only at specific times.
in select instances
Replaces "basis" with "instances", highlighting specific occurrences.
on particular occasions
Similar to "certain occasions", emphasizing specific instances.
on a chosen basis
Similar in meaning to "select basis" but emphasizes the act of choosing.
on a preferential basis
Suggests that some are favored over others.
FAQs
How can I use "on a select basis" in a sentence?
You can use "on a select basis" to indicate that something is offered or available to a specific, limited group. For example, "The scholarship is awarded "on a select basis" to students with exceptional academic records".
What's the difference between "on a select basis" and "selectively"?
"On a select basis" is a phrase that emphasizes the criteria and process of selection. "Selectively", on the other hand, is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done. The phrase is often replaceable by "on a selective basis".
What can I say instead of "on a select basis"?
You can use alternatives like "selectively", "on a limited basis", or "occasionally" depending on the context.
Is "on a selected basis" grammatically correct as well?
Yes, "on a selected basis" is grammatically correct. While "select" as an adjective emphasizes choice, "selected" emphasizes the action of having been chosen. The subtle difference can slightly alter the nuance.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested