possible basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a potential foundation or justification for an idea, argument, or action. Example: "The research provides a possible basis for further studies on the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The department "continues to view domestic violence as a possible basis for asylum," a department spokesman, Matthew Chandler, said.

The New York Times

The first time in the book that Gordimer acknowledges gender as a possible basis for oppression (it didn't make the list in 1985) is 1997.

The Guardian - Books

Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said today that Israel had endorsed a report of a committee led by former Senator George J. Mitchell as a possible basis for stopping violence and resuming peace talks.

The New York Times

I believe monitored enrichment on Iranian soil in the name of what Obama called Iran's "right to peaceful nuclear power" remains a possible basis for an agreement that blocks weaponization.

The New York Times

1], the Ambassadors, as a result of their meeting, telegraphed, it is understood, that the Turkish reply to the collective Note of the Powers afforded a possible basis for resuming peace negotiations.

The New York Times

The breakthrough was greeted with excitement by scientists, who nonetheless cautioned that it remained a significant proof of principle and a possible basis for new treatments, rather than a guarantee of an Alzheimer's cure in the near future.

Independent

The majority avoided analyzing the case under the 14th Amendment's equal-protection guarantee, another possible basis for the decision and one that could have had broader implications, beyond the specific context of voting, for government programs that confer benefits on the basis of race.

The New York Times

"Although each case is highly fact-dependent and requires scrutiny of the specific threat an applicant faces," said Matt Chandler, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, "the department continues to view domestic violence as a possible basis for asylum in the United States".

The New York Times

A1 Israel Backs Mitchell Report Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said Israel had endorsed a report of a committee led by former Senator George Mitchell as a possible basis for stopping violence and resuming peace talks, but he rejected a recommendation for a freeze on the building of Jewish settlements.

The New York Times

It is understood it would have included a cut to the basic pay rise the Government has offered junior doctors, would have been "cost-neutral", and that NHS officials considered it a possible basis for resolving the dispute and averting the strike.

Independent

The physiology prize (or "prize for physiology or medicine", as it is known in the citation) is for the discovery of a phenomenon called RNA interference, which helps cells fight off viral infections and is widely touted as a possible basis for a new class of drugs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possible basis for", ensure that you provide specific evidence or reasoning to support the potential connection you are suggesting. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "possible basis for" as a definitive cause or explanation. Use qualifying language to indicate the speculative nature of the connection, maintaining accuracy and intellectual honesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible basis for" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce a potential reason, cause, or foundation for an idea, argument, or action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible basis for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to suggest a potential foundation or justification for an idea or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently used in scientific and news contexts to propose explanations without asserting them as definitive facts. While alternatives like "potential foundation for" and "plausible rationale for" exist, "possible basis for" maintains a balance of formality and clarity suitable for various writing styles. Remember to provide supporting evidence when using the phrase and avoid overstating the certainty of the connection being suggested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential foundation for

Changes "basis" to "foundation", emphasizing the underlying structure or support.

plausible rationale for

Replaces "basis" with "rationale", suggesting a reasoned justification.

likely reason for

Substitutes "basis" with "reason", indicating a cause or explanation.

possible justification for

Uses "justification" instead of "basis", focusing on the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

conceivable explanation for

Emphasizes that the explanation is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

theoretical underpinning of

Replaces the phrase with a more academic term, suggesting a conceptual foundation.

underlying principle of

Focuses on the fundamental rule or belief on which something is based.

a chance of being the reason for

An explanation is slightly different in its structure but remains similar in meaning

a prospect of forming the groundwork for

An explanation is slightly different in its structure but remains similar in meaning

a likelihood of providing the support for

An explanation is slightly different in its structure but remains similar in meaning

FAQs

How can I use "possible basis for" in a sentence?

Use "possible basis for" to suggest a potential reason or foundation for something, as in, "The new data provides a "possible basis for" revising our initial hypothesis".

What are some alternatives to "possible basis for"?

You can use alternatives such as "potential foundation for", "plausible rationale for", or "likely reason for" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "possible basis for" and "definitive basis for"?

Yes, "possible basis for" suggests a potential but unconfirmed reason, while "definitive basis for" indicates a confirmed and established reason. Using the correct phrase is crucial for accuracy.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "possible basis for"?

It's appropriate when you want to propose a potential explanation or justification without claiming it as a certain or proven fact. For example, "Further research could provide a "possible basis for" these preliminary findings".