on what basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on what basis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for the reason or rationale for something or to ask for evidence to support an argument. For example, "On what basis did the judge make his decision?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not immediately clear on what basis the warning was issued.

The New York Times

She needs to know not just which candidate the algorithm is recommending but on what basis.

Harvard Business Review

In the end, two thousand of the four thousand applicants received visas; no one knows on what basis.

The New Yorker

February 15 2016 October 17 201010 On what basis does one judge a work of art to be great?

The New Yorker

But on what basis, then, should one decide?

SEP

On what basis should someone reject one of these notions and embrace the other?

The New York Times

On what basis can we claim that one framework is "masking" another?

SEP

Why? Why? Why? Why? On what basis?

The Guardian

On what basis?" he writes.

The New Yorker

On what basis do we admire actors?

The Guardian - Film

On what basis, and on whose order?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "on what basis" with specific details to make your inquiry precise and effective. For example: "On what basis were these specific candidates chosen for the promotion?"

Common error

Avoid substituting "basis" with "bias". "Basis" refers to the reason or justification, while "bias" indicates prejudice or inclination. For example, ask "On what basis was this decision made?" not "On what bias was this decision made?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what basis" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It is typically used to seek justification, explanation, or evidence for a statement, decision, or action. Ludwig's examples show its wide usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on what basis" is a grammatically correct and versatile interrogative prepositional phrase used to question the underlying reasons or justifications for a claim, decision, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, academic, and formal contexts. While generally neutral to formal in tone, its effectiveness lies in prompting for clear explanations and evidence. When using this phrase, ensure a clear understanding of the difference between "basis" and "bias", and be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate level of formality. Consider alternatives like "on what grounds" for formal settings or "why" for more casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what grounds

Focuses more on the justification or reason, often in a legal or formal context.

by what rationale

Emphasizes the reasoning or logic used to make a decision.

what's the justification

Directly asks for the reason or validation behind an action or belief.

what's the reason

A more general inquiry into the cause or explanation for something.

upon what authority

Questions the power or right used to take a specific action.

what are the reasons for

Asks for a comprehensive explanation of the factors influencing a decision.

what is the explanation

Seeks to understand the cause or mechanism behind an event or phenomenon.

what is the foundation

Questions the fundamental principles or assumptions upon which something is built.

how is this justified

Challenges the legitimacy or validity of an action or decision.

where does this come from

Inquires about the origin or source of something, often an idea or belief.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on what basis" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you can use phrases like "on what grounds", "by what rationale", or "upon what authority" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "on what basis" and "why"?

"On what basis" implies a request for the underlying reasons or justification, often suggesting a need for evidence or explanation. "Why" is a more general inquiry into the cause or purpose.

Is "on what basis" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "on what basis" may sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "why" or "what's the reason" for a more natural tone.

How to use "on what basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on what basis" to question decisions, claims, or actions, such as: "On what basis did you come to that conclusion?" or "On what basis was this policy implemented?".