on a substantive basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a substantive basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or agreement that is based on something solid, such as facts or evidence. Example: The negotiations between the two countries were successful on a substantive basis.

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"A review of claims both on a substantive basis and for purposes of plan classification is ongoing," Lehman said in the filing.

The New York Times

"You need a dozen of those to really change your business model on a substantive basis.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Patrick Adenauer, grandson of postwar Germany's first chancellor and head of the Association of Family Enterprise — Christian Democrat roots don't go deeper — told Handelsblatt, the newspaper: "The German reactions to the events in Libya and Japan appear hysterical on one hand, and on the other without any substantive basis".

The New York Times

The primary substantive basis relied on by companies seeking to exclude a shareholder proxy access proposal is that the company has already substantially implemented the proposal (Rule 14a-8(i)(10)).

Harvard University

While some staff reported substantive outreach activities on a weekly basis, others hardly ever left the clinic.

Human Resources for Health

Indeed, this value return on investment (VROI), rather than the traditional accounting ROI, enables management to rank various business units on the basis of a substantive economic criterion.

Harvard Business Review

The DOL notice today says that it's still getting a high volume of comments and petition letters on a daily basis, both on the delay and the more substantive issues.

Forbes

"While default is always regrettable, we do not believe that it would have major substantive consequences outside, on a much broader basis," she said on Tuesday night.

The Guardian - Business

On a financial basis, meh.

The New York Times

"Not on a regular basis".

The New Yorker

It delivers payments on a consistent basis.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a substantive basis" to indicate that a decision, evaluation, or action is based on significant and relevant considerations, not on superficial or emotional factors.

Common error

Avoid using "on a substantive basis" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "really" or "actually" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a substantive basis" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the manner in which an action is performed or a judgment is made. It indicates that the action or judgment is grounded in significant facts and considerations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

34%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a substantive basis" serves to indicate that something is grounded in significant facts and considerations. It is generally grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is relatively rare and more suited for formal contexts like business, news, and academic writing. Related phrases include "based on solid evidence" and "grounded in reality". When employing this phrase, ensure its appropriateness for the context to maintain a formal and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on solid evidence

This alternative emphasizes the evidentiary foundation, which may be more specific than a general substantive basis.

on a well-founded basis

Highlights that the foundation is solid and reliable, minimizing uncertainty.

grounded in reality

This option underscores the connection to real-world conditions and facts rather than abstract concepts.

with factual support

Similar to 'based on solid evidence', this highlights the presence of concrete facts supporting a claim.

on a concrete foundation

This alternative reinforces the idea that the subject at hand has a reliable, tangible structure.

on valid grounds

This alternative focuses on the legitimacy and acceptability of the reasons or justifications.

supported by credible data

This choice is specific to data-driven contexts where reliability is key.

in a meaningful way

This conveys the idea that the approach is relevant and impactful, not superficial.

with significant justification

Emphasizes the considerable weight of the reasons or evidence provided.

with material backing

Implies the existence of tangible resources or evidence supporting a position.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a substantive basis" to indicate that something is based on solid facts and reasoning. For example, "The court made its decision "based on solid evidence" rather than speculation."

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

Alternatives include "based on solid evidence", "grounded in reality", or "on valid grounds". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "on a substantive basis" formal or informal?

"On a substantive basis" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's more suitable for professional, academic, or legal contexts than for casual conversation.

What does "on a substantive basis" mean?

It means something is based on solid, factual grounds rather than being superficial or trivial. It suggests a thorough and meaningful assessment has taken place.