some basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a foundation or justification for an argument, decision, or belief. Example: "There must be some basis for your claims if you expect us to take them seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is some basis to both criticisms.

The New York Times

They have some basis for their fears.

The Guardian

"There needs to be some basis of trust.

The New York Times

There is some basis to the mixture's pharaonic claim.

The New York Times

There seems to be some basis for optimism.

The New York Times

But Mr. McCullough has some basis for making his claim.

The New York Times

This had some basis in reality: Linda was clearly torn.

The New Yorker

This shift has some basis in Canadian political reality.

The New Yorker

As such, they had some basis in truth.

The Economist

Even monogamy may have some basis that's genetic and hormonal.

The New York Times

There's some basis for this argument in this specific instance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some basis" when you want to indicate that there is a degree of factual or logical support for a claim, even if it's not fully proven or comprehensive.

Common error

Avoid using "some basis" when the support is substantial or definitive. In such cases, stronger terms like "strong evidence" or "solid foundation" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some basis" functions primarily as a noun phrase that signifies the existence of a rationale, evidence, or justification, although it may be limited or not fully developed. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to indicate a degree of support for a claim or belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Vice

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "some basis" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a foundational reason or justification for a statement, belief, or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While the phrase acknowledges support, it often implies that such support may be limited or incomplete. Therefore, writers should be mindful of the strength of the basis when using this phrase and should not overstate the degree of certainty it provides. When a stronger term is needed, alternatives such as "strong evidence" or "solid foundation" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some base

Slightly more concise, implying a foundational element.

some substantiation

Focuses on providing evidence to support a claim.

some bedrock

Suggests a firm and fundamental foundation.

some backbone

Implies strength and support for a concept or idea.

some reason

Highlights the rationale behind a belief or action.

some cornerstone

Emphasizes the importance of the foundation.

some groundwork

Suggests preliminary work has been done to establish a foundation.

some rationale

Focuses on the logical reasoning behind something.

some footing

Indicates a stable or secure position.

some ground

Refers to the basis or justification for an argument or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "some basis" in a sentence?

You can use "some basis" to indicate that there's a degree of justification or factual support for a claim, argument, or belief. For instance, "There is "some basis" for his optimism, given the company's recent performance".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "some basis"?

Alternatives to "some basis" include phrases like "some base", "some substantiation", or "some groundwork". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "there is some basis to" or "there is some basis for"?

Both "there is "some basis to"" and "there is "some basis for"" are grammatically correct, but they slightly differ in usage. "Some basis to" often precedes an abstract noun or a claim, while "some basis for" usually precedes a reason or action.

What's the difference between "some basis" and "strong evidence"?

"Some basis" implies a limited or partial foundation, suggesting the need for further proof or investigation. On the other hand, "strong evidence" indicates more substantial and convincing support.