primarily based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily based on" is correct and usable in written English.
It means "based mainly on a particular thing" and is usually used when making comparisons or giving reasons. For example: The decision was primarily based on the available evidence.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hand hygiene was primarily based on alcohol-based hand rubs.

Critical Care

Clinton's stand, he says, was primarily based on fund-raising.

The New York Times - Books

These products are primarily based on Arm's V8 technology.

The Guardian - Business

Subsidies would be primarily based on age, income and geography.

The Washington Post

Diagnosis of CF related sinusitis is primarily based on symptoms.

Stanford University

Our connection to IDIAP is primarily based on research collaborations.

University of California, Berkeley

Pairings will be made primarily based on these desired topics.

University of California, Berkeley

The  ranking is primarily based on the salary of graduates.

The Economist

Current treatment approaches are primarily based on clinical stage.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

Safety shoe designs are primarily based on safety requirements.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As I have mentioned before, these standards are primarily based on bird habitat quality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily based on", ensure that the primary basis is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The study was primarily based on data", specify "The study was primarily based on data from the 2020 census."

Common error

Avoid using "primarily based on" when the basis is only partially or marginally influential. Using it in such cases can mislead readers into thinking that the factor is more important than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily based on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the main foundation, reason, or source. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is a common way to express that something relies mainly on a particular factor or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

27%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily based on" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the main foundation or reason for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and general explanations. While the phrase is widely used, it's crucial to ensure that the stated basis is indeed the main influence to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "mainly founded on" or "largely dependent on" can be used to add variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. Due to its commonality, understanding how to use "primarily based on" correctly is important for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly founded on

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, similar to "primarily based on".

largely dependent on

Highlights the reliance on something as a primary factor.

chiefly predicated on

More formal, suggesting a principal assumption or basis.

principally reliant on

Indicates a main source of support or dependence.

substantially grounded in

Implies a strong foundation or basis.

predominantly determined by

Focuses on the aspect of influence or control.

mostly reliant upon

Similar to 'dependent on' but slightly more formal.

fundamentally rooted in

Highlights the core or essential nature of the foundation.

essentially constructed upon

Indicates that something is built or formed on a main element.

largely hinged on

Suggests that the outcome greatly depends on a specific factor.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily based on" in a sentence?

You can use "primarily based on" to indicate the main reason or foundation for something. For example, "The decision was primarily based on the evidence presented."

What are some alternatives to "primarily based on"?

Alternatives include "mainly founded on", "largely dependent on", or "chiefly predicated on", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "primarily based on" or "completely based on"?

"Primarily based on" suggests that while something is mainly based on a particular thing, there may be other influencing factors. "Completely based on" implies that there are no other factors involved.

How does "primarily based on" differ from "partially based on"?

"Primarily based on" indicates the main foundation, while "partially based on" suggests that it is only one of several factors contributing to the basis.