serve as the basis of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as the basis of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing foundational concepts, principles, or elements that support or underpin something else. Example: "The research findings serve as the basis of our new policy recommendations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a little late now for this film to serve as the basis of a moral conversation.

The New Yorker

The findings do not point to any new treatment and are too little understood to serve as the basis of a diagnostic test.

The New York Times - Health

Interdisciplinary Connections: Global History/Geography – Many religions around the world have a set of commandments that serve as the basis of their doctrines.

The New York Times

As in the Park51 controversy, fearmongering and slander serve as the basis of an argument that cannot rely on facts to make its case.

The New Yorker

Beginning in mid-October, lawyers on Staten Island will record survivors' stories, which will serve as the basis of a report to be released next summer.

The New York Times

New light has been cast on texts, the majority of which are written in a simple metre that can serve as the basis of sophisticated literary works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It might just do that: it is on its way to getting a constitution that could serve as the basis of a decent, inclusive democracy.

The Economist

Mr. Dell's presentation will serve as the basis of his presentation to proxy advisers like Institutional Shareholder Services over the next few days.

The New York Times

If independent analyses of the findings from the new studies hold up, as expected, they "could serve as the basis of a new standard of care," Dr. Fauci said in an interview here.

The New York Times - Health

They have demanded that the pre-1967 lineserveve as the basis of a final border, allowing for small modifications through agreed-upon land swaps to allow Israel to keep some of the settlements it has built.

The Guardian

Education experts said the union's signal that it might accept some form of performance-based pay, after months of denouncing Mr. Giuliani's merit pay plan, could end the negotiating stalemate of months and serve as the basis of a deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as the basis of", ensure that the relationship between the basis and the resulting element is clearly articulated. For example, specify how the initial element directly influences or supports the subsequent one.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as the basis of" when the element in question only contributes marginally. Overstating the foundational nature can weaken your argument. Ensure it truly forms a fundamental underpinning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as the basis of" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a foundational element to something that develops or relies on it. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase introduces the core principle or source material from which something else originates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as the basis of" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote that something provides the foundation or groundwork for something else. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is acceptable and is widely used in various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and wikis. While it leans towards a neutral or formal register, it is versatile and applicable in numerous writing styles. When using this phrase, clarity in articulating the relationship between the foundation and the derived element is crucial. Consider alternatives such as "act as the foundation of" or "form the groundwork for" to add nuance and variety to your writing. Avoiding overstatement of the foundational nature is important to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate as the basis of

Replaces "serve" with "operate", slightly altering the nuance to emphasize functionality.

serve as the ground of

Substitutes "basis" with "ground", implying a more fundamental and underlying support.

serve as the bedrock of

Replaces "basis" with "bedrock", suggesting an unshakeable and fundamental foundation.

serve as the backbone of

Replaces "basis" with "backbone", emphasizing structural support and central importance.

act as the foundation of

Uses "act" instead of "serve" and "foundation" instead of "basis", providing a slightly more active and architectural connotation.

form the groundwork for

Replaces the entire phrase with a different structure, focusing on preparation and initial stages.

constitute the foundation of

Employs "constitute" for a more formal tone and "foundation", emphasizing structural importance.

underpin

A concise verb that conveys the idea of providing support or a basis for something.

establish the groundwork for

Highlights the act of setting up the initial stages or preparations.

lie at the heart of

Changes the metaphor to emphasize central importance rather than foundational support.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as the basis of" in a sentence?

Use "serve as the basis of" to indicate that something forms the foundation or starting point for something else. For example, "The initial research will "serve as the basis of" the subsequent study."

What are some alternatives to "serve as the basis of"?

You can use alternatives such as "act as the foundation of", "form the groundwork for", or simply "underpin", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "serve as the basis for" or "serve as the basis of"?

"Serve as the basis of" is generally followed by the thing that is being supported or founded. While "serve as the basis for" is also grammatically correct, "serve as the basis of" is more common.

How does "serve as the basis of" differ from "contribute to"?

"Serve as the basis of" implies a foundational role, whereas "contribute to" suggests a partial or supplementary role. The former is more fundamental and essential than the latter.