reasonable basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the justification or foundation for a decision, belief, or action. Example: "The committee found a reasonable basis for approving the new policy after reviewing the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Indeed, I have no reasonable basis for doing so.

The Guardian

Once again, the Court was not presented with evidence of a reasonable basis for these fears.

The New York Times

"This provides a reasonable basis for us to work on," said a spokesman.

The Guardian

The question is whether Mr Piketty had a reasonable basis for making the judgments he did.

The Economist

"For me that would be especially true, as I believe Spitzer has a very reasonable basis for what he's doing".

The New York Times

The manual states, for example, that "in making a recommendation a member must have a reasonable basis for the recommendation".

The New York Times

If this is the real issue, then we have a reasonable basis for negotiation with the European commission.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is not an abuse of discretion unless the court believes there is no reasonable basis for it".

The New York Times

"Under securities laws, an analyst has to have a reasonable basis for his opinion," Mr. Lowenfels said.

The New York Times

In the profile of Mr. Burke, the kibbutz reference created a reasonable basis for using the Irish Catholic label.

The New York Times

But at least it was a reasonable basis for a conversation and is far better than its most prominent competitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable basis for", ensure you can clearly articulate the specific facts, evidence, or reasoning that supports the basis. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting a weak or speculative argument as a "reasonable basis for". Ensure that the basis is genuinely supported by evidence and logical reasoning to prevent undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable basis for" functions as a noun phrase, often used to specify the justification or rationale behind an action, belief, or decision. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility in legal, business, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable basis for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote sufficient justification or grounds for a belief, action, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, signifying its versatility across various domains. When employing this phrase, ensure that the articulated basis is genuinely supported by credible evidence and logical reasoning. Alternatives such as "plausible basis for" or "legitimate basis for" can be used to add nuance. By adhering to these guidelines, writers can effectively use "reasonable basis for" to enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible basis for

Replaces "reasonable" with "plausible", suggesting something that seems possible or likely.

realistic basis for

Substitutes "reasonable" with "realistic", emphasizing practicality and feasibility.

legitimate basis for

Replaces "reasonable" with "legitimate", highlighting the lawfulness or acceptability of the basis.

sound basis for

Replaces "reasonable" with "sound", suggesting a strong and reliable foundation.

valid justification for

Shifts from "basis" to "justification", focusing on the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

adequate foundation for

Replaces "basis" with "foundation", emphasizing the underlying support or structure.

sufficient grounds for

Substitutes "basis" with "grounds", referring to the factors that justify a decision or action.

good reason for

Offers a simpler alternative, focusing on having a valid reason.

rational explanation for

Changes "basis" to "explanation", highlighting the reasoning behind something.

justifiable cause for

Replaces "basis" with "cause", emphasizing the reason for something happening or existing.

FAQs

What does "reasonable basis for" mean?

The phrase "reasonable basis for" refers to having sufficient evidence or justification to support a belief, action, or decision. It implies that there are logical or factual grounds for something.

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

You can use "reasonable basis for" to explain why something is justified or why a particular action was taken. For example, "The investigation found a "reasonable basis for" the accusations."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable basis for"?

Some alternatives to "reasonable basis for" include "plausible basis for", "legitimate basis for", "valid justification for", or "sufficient grounds for", depending on the specific context.

Is "reasonable basis for" a formal or informal phrase?

"Reasonable basis for" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in legal, business, and academic writing. It is generally not considered informal.