the main basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the main basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary reason or foundation for something. Example: "The main basis for our decision was the overwhelming evidence presented during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said that the ruling would be the main basis for the defense's appeal.

The New York Times

Agriculture and dairy farming probably formed the main basis of the economy at Çatalhüyük.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Roundtable could just as well have said "nearly all Americans reject tests as the main basis for promotion".

The New York Times

The salesmen's reports on what they expect to sell are the main basis for sales forecasts and production planning.

The New York Times

The main basis for the final grade will be the physics content contained in the thesis as a document.

Princeton University

The results of that segmentation are then used as the main basis for supplier development.

Expert Systems with Applications

He later added: "You know the main basis for choosing to give up is for the sake of family feelings.

The New York Times

Professor Rotberg said empirical data comparable across countries — the main basis for his and Ms. Gisselquist's rankings — were generally not available for the previous year.

The New York Times

The main basis is understood to be that the lesser verdict of manslaughter was not offered by the judge to the panel at the original court martial.

The Guardian

Most investigators also agree that differences in educational opportunities play an important role, though some believe that the main basis of the difference is hereditary.

Britannica

Conventional prognostic factors for relapse in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are the main basis of risk-stratified treatments.

Anales de Pediatría

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main basis", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of what is being supported or justified. For example, "The main basis for our decision was the overwhelming evidence presented during the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "the main basis" when it is only one of several significant factors. Use qualifiers like "a key basis" or "an important basis" if other factors are equally relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main basis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

48%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the main basis" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to denote the primary reason, foundation, or justification for something. Ludwig AI shows that it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "the main basis", ensure it clearly connects to what it supports, and consider alternatives like "the primary reason" or "the principal foundation" for nuanced expression. Avoid overstating its importance when other significant factors are involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary reason

Focuses on the cause or justification rather than the foundational aspect.

the principal foundation

Emphasizes the underlying structure or support.

the key element

Highlights an essential component or aspect.

the core component

Stresses the central and essential part.

the fundamental principle

Focuses on the underlying rule or concept.

the central tenet

Highlights a core belief or doctrine.

the essential ingredient

Emphasizes a necessary element for success or completeness.

the groundwork

Implies the preparatory work or initial stage.

the underpinning

Highlights the support or justification beneath.

the rationale

Focuses on the logical justification.

FAQs

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

Use "the main basis" to indicate the primary reason or foundation for something. For example, "The study's conclusions formed "the main basis" for the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "the main basis"?

You can use alternatives such as "the primary reason", "the principal foundation", or "the key element" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the main basis"?

While "basis" already implies a fundamental element, using "the main basis" can emphasize that it's the most important or significant foundation among others. It's acceptable if you need to underscore the primary aspect.

What's the difference between "the main basis" and "the primary reason"?

"The main basis" typically refers to the foundational support or underlying structure, while "the primary reason" emphasizes the direct cause or motivation. The choice depends on whether you are highlighting the foundation or the cause.