solely based

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solely based" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is exclusively or entirely founded on a particular principle, idea, or source. Example: "The decision was solely based on the data collected during the research phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was solely based on merit".

The New York Times

"He operates solely based on the allegiance.

The Guardian

"Your technological model is solely based on circumventing" the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zawahiri, Maqdisi said, "operates solely based on allegiance.

The Guardian

However, this choice is solely based on his reaction to the kick.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's not right to justify it solely based on Tyson's previous conviction of rape.

The New York Times - Sports

"And the policy, of course, is not made solely based upon scientific input".

The New Yorker

It is not solely based at the Pontifical Academy of Theology.

The New York Times

"I think it'll be difficult to do solely based on nationality.

The New York Times

My involvement was solely based on trying to protect America's public health".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For example, do they offer merit aid or is their aid solely based on need?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solely based", ensure the context supports the exclusivity. If other factors are involved, rephrase to accurately reflect the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "solely based" if multiple factors influence the outcome. Overstating exclusivity can mislead readers about the true complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely based" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun by indicating that something is determined or derived from one single source or factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "solely based" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to emphasize that something is exclusively determined by a single factor. Its neutral register and wide applicability across news, scientific, and formal contexts make it a versatile tool in writing. While alternatives like "exclusively based" or "entirely based" offer similar meanings, "solely based" clearly indicates the singular dependency. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the exclusivity to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively based

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the base or foundation.

entirely based

Highlights the completeness of the base, suggesting nothing else contributes.

purely based

Implies the base is unadulterated or without any other factors.

strictly based

Suggests adherence to a specific foundation without deviation.

wholly based

Similar to entirely based, stressing the completeness of the dependency.

uniquely predicated

Highlights the uniqueness of the foundation or condition.

solely dependent

Focuses on the reliance on a singular factor.

exclusively reliant

Emphasizes the exclusive reliance on something.

completely grounded

Highlights that something is fully established on a single aspect.

singularly determined

Suggests the cause is uniquely defined by a specific aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "solely based" in a sentence?

You can use "solely based" to indicate that a decision, argument, or conclusion depends entirely on one thing. For example, "The decision was "solely based" on the evidence presented".

What are some alternatives to saying "solely based"?

Alternatives include "exclusively based", "entirely based", or "purely based", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "based solely on" instead of "solely based on"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct, but "solely based on" often provides a more direct and emphatic statement. "Based solely on" can be used, but ensure it fits the sentence structure appropriately.

When should I avoid using "solely based"?

Avoid using "solely based" when the decision or conclusion is influenced by multiple factors. In such cases, use phrases that acknowledge the complexity, rather than implying a single determinant.