the basis on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basis on which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a ground or foundation which is used to support something else. For example, "We built our plan on the basis on which we had agreed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was the basis on which Miranda was decided.

The New York Times

That's the basis on which we're having these discussions".

The Guardian - Business

This is the basis on which she won her prize.

The New Yorker

That's the basis on which it was approved," Bragg said.

The Guardian - Business

the basis on which a winner will be selected.

Cornell University

That is the basis on which it was taken".

Independent

The basis on which [Occupy's] arguments are built is flawed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wasn't that the basis on which they negotiated with the Cathedral and the Corporation?

The Guardian - Opinion

Alzheimer's discoveries remain the basis on which modern pathologists recognize the disease.

The New Yorker

The basis on which this statement has been made is very fragile.

The Guardian

It is not the basis on which we feed our children," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve clarity, avoid long sentences when utilizing the phrase "the basis on which". A clear and concise sentence will always be more effective.

Common error

Ensure that the "which" in "the basis on which" has a clear and unambiguous reference. Avoid sentences where it's unclear what the basis is referring to, as this can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "There was the basis on which the decision was made", specify what formed the foundation: "The research findings were the basis on which the decision was made."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basis on which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause, specifying the foundation, justification, or reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "That is the basis on which it was taken".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the basis on which" is a versatile phrase used to specify the underlying reasons or foundations for a decision, action, or belief. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used in written English. It is most common in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is essential; ensure that the reference is unambiguous and the sentence structure is straightforward. Consider alternatives like "the grounds on which" or "the reason for" depending on the level of formality you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "the basis on which" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the grounds on which

Replaces "basis" with "grounds", emphasizing the justification or reason.

the foundation on which

Substitutes "basis" with "foundation", stressing the underlying support or groundwork.

the rationale for

Uses "rationale" to highlight the logical reason or justification.

the reason for

A more direct and simpler way of stating the cause or justification.

the justification for

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

the principle behind

Focuses on the fundamental concept or belief that something is based on.

the premise of

Highlights the initial statement or idea that serves as the foundation.

the justification on which

It is more verbose, adding a level of emphasis to the justification being a foundation.

the underpinning of

Replaces "basis" with "underpinning", which is more technical and specialized, emphasizing support.

the starting point for

Focuses on the initial stage or beginning from which something develops.

FAQs

How can I use "the basis on which" in a sentence?

Use "the basis on which" to introduce the foundation or reason for an action, decision, or belief. For example, "That was "the basis on which" Miranda was decided."

What are some alternatives to using "the basis on which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the grounds on which", "the foundation on which", or simply "the reason for", depending on the context.

Is "the basis on which" formal or informal?

"The basis on which" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings.

What's the difference between "the basis on which" and "the reason why"?

"The basis on which" emphasizes the underlying foundation or principle, while "the reason why" focuses more directly on the cause or explanation. While similar, "the basis on which" often implies a more structured or formal justification.