the basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

"the basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that provides the foundation or starting point for a particular action, decision, or opinion. For example: "The scientific research provided the basis for our decision to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It formed the basis for "The Counterfeiters".

The New Yorker

What's the basis for that claim?

The New York Times

What is the basis for their hatred?

The New York Times

That's the basis for this puzzle.

The New York Times

The basis for the movie.

The New York Times - Books

The basis for Canon's success?

Harvard Business Review

What's the basis for that?

The Washington Post

And that's the basis for our policy".

The New York Times

They formed the basis for a culture.

The Guardian

What is the basis for that?

The New Yorker

What is the basis for this prediction?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the basis for", ensure the connection between the basis and the resulting action or idea is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "That's the basis for our policy", clarify what elements led to the establishment of the policy.

Common error

Avoid using "the basis for" as a vague placeholder. Provide concrete details about what specifically forms the basis, as generality can weaken your argument or explanation. Vague: "Feelings were the basis for it all". Improved: "Mutual feelings of respect and admiration were the "foundation of" their long-lasting friendship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basis for" functions as a prepositional phrase that identifies the foundation, justification, or rationale behind a decision, action, or idea. As Ludwig AI states, it is commonly used to refer to something that provides the starting point or foundation for something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basis for" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates the foundation, justification, or rationale behind something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase with specificity to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity in communication. Alternatives like "the foundation of" or "the grounds for" can offer subtle nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foundation of

Focuses on the foundational aspect, similar to "the basis for", but emphasizes structure and support.

the grounds for

Indicates the reasons or justification behind an action or belief, closely related to "the basis for".

the reason for

Directly states the cause or explanation, simplifying the idea of "the basis for".

the justification for

Highlights the reasons that defend or warrant something, aligning with the rationale behind "the basis for".

the rationale behind

Emphasizes the underlying logic or principles, offering a more in-depth view compared to "the basis for".

the underlying principle of

Stresses the fundamental rule or concept that supports something, similar to the core idea of "the basis for".

the root cause of

Identifies the fundamental cause, often implying a deeper or more critical analysis than "the basis for".

the starting point of

Indicates the origin or initial stage, emphasizing the beginning rather than the overall foundation like "the basis for".

the fundamental reason for

Highlights the essential or core reason, adding emphasis compared to the more neutral "the basis for".

the premise of

Focuses on the initial assumption or proposition, similar to the foundational aspect of "the basis for" but more specific.

FAQs

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

Use "the basis for" to indicate the foundation, justification, or reason behind something. For example, "Evidence is "the basis for" our appeal" or "These laws become "the basis for" regulations".

What are some alternatives to "the basis for"?

You can use alternatives like "the foundation of", "the grounds for", or "the reason for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "basis of" or "basis for"?

While both phrases exist, "basis for" is typically used to indicate the reason or justification for something, whereas "basis of" refers to a foundational element of something. For example, "This study formed the basis of my research." vs. "The study provided the basis for my conclusion."

What's the difference between "the reason for" and "the basis for"?

"The reason for" directly states the cause or explanation, whereas "the basis for" implies a more fundamental or underlying foundation. While similar, ""the basis for"" suggests a more significant or foundational element than just a reason.