the basis was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the basis was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundation or underlying reason for something in a past context. Example: "The basis was a thorough analysis of the data collected over the last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There was some stuff we did that wasn't good, but the basis was strong.

The Guardian

But we need not explore further what the basis was for the Territorial Supreme Court's finding on this charge.

Cornell University

Kelly supports the theory, common to many explanations of anti-Semitism, that the basis was not just paranoid but economic.

The New Yorker

The basis was syngas feed to a 2500 MTPD methanol plant.

Catalysis Today

That of Greece began with the republican government of 1828: the basis was the silver phoenix of 100 lepta.

Encyclopedia Britannica

DOENITZ: Today I do not approve of that order since I have learned here that the basis was not so sound.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The basis is appreciation.

University of California, Berkeley

The basis is theoretical and partly empirical.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

The possibility of such an unfavourable movement in the basis is known as basis risk.

Britannica

The basis functions are not spatially localized, and representations in terms of the basis are susceptible to ringing.

Princeton University

The basis is a garlicky tomato sauce; canned tomatoes are not only fine but preferable here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the basis was", ensure the context clearly indicates what the foundation or reason is. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the elements that constitute the basis.

Common error

Avoid using "the basis was" without clearly specifying what the basis refers to. Ensure the reader can easily identify the subject that the basis supports or explains to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the basis was" functions as a linking phrase, introducing the fundamental reason, justification, or origin of something. It connects a statement to its underlying support, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the basis was" serves as a connector to introduce the underlying foundation or reason for something, primarily in a past context. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various settings, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "the foundation was" and "the rationale was" exist, "the basis was" effectively provides clarity and justification. The key is to ensure that the context clearly specifies what the basis refers to, avoiding ambiguity and maintaining a neutral to formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foundation was

Replaces "basis" with "foundation", emphasizing the fundamental support or groundwork.

the rationale was

Substitutes "basis" with "rationale", highlighting the logical reasons behind a decision or action.

the reason was

Uses "reason" instead of "basis", focusing on the cause or explanation for something.

the justification was

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

the underlying principle was

Highlights the fundamental concept or doctrine on which something is based.

the starting point was

Focuses on the initial stage or origin of something.

the premise was

Highlights the assumed or presupposed idea that serves as a base for reasoning.

the ground was

Metaphorically refers to the basic reason or justification.

it stemmed from

Indicates the origin or source from which something originated.

it originated in

Focuses on the place or situation where something began.

FAQs

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

Use "the basis was" to introduce the fundamental reason or foundation for a past decision, theory, or situation. For example, "The basis was a thorough review of existing literature."

What are some alternatives to "the basis was"?

You can use alternatives like "the foundation was", "the rationale was", or "the reason was" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "the basis was" or "the basis is"?

"The basis was" is used when referring to something in the past, while "the basis is" is used for present or general statements. The choice depends on the time frame you are discussing.

What's the difference between "the basis was" and "the basis will be"?

"The basis was" refers to a foundation that existed in the past, whereas "the basis will be" indicates a foundation that is planned or expected to exist in the future. The difference lies in the time frame.