uncertain basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncertain basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation, decision, or conclusion that lacks a solid foundation or clear evidence. Example: "The committee made its decision on an uncertain basis, leading to questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When we lack a sense of past and future, the present feels like a shaky platform, an uncertain basis for action.

The Guardian

Practitioners must elaborate their prescriptions on this uncertain basis.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Under her watch the festival moved from an uncertain financial basis into a prosperous business undertaking that brought great riches to the Wagner family.

Wikipedia

Project XL had mixed results, with some success stories but an uncertain legal basis regarding enforcement and less active participation than envisioned.

Wikipedia

The significant heritability and uncertain molecular basis of common disorders has been approached with such geno-centric and 'point mutation' genetic thinking.

Genome Medicine

Therefore the field is using the same terminology to describe what may be different types of lesion - a more definitive radiographic imaging marker, with as-yet uncertain pathologic basis [ 7].

Acta neuropathologica communications

Only 5% are uncertain, on the basis of their earnings, where to place themselves on the latter of social class.

The New Yorker

These sequences vary considerably within octocoral genera, providing information for classifying a recently-described species, Alaskagorgia aleutiana Sánchez and Cairns, within the Plexauridae; this was uncertain on the basis of morphological characters, but the results were consistent with mitochondrial DNA analysis [ 13, 5].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The problem for politicians making a decisive policy intervention on the basis of uncertain scientific knowledge is a real one.

The Guardian

I don't think any of us have the right to take that life away on the basis of uncertain predictions".

The New York Times - Health

Its legal basis is uncertain to say the least but, purely for political reasons, this government is going to do that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncertain basis", clarify what makes the basis uncertain to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details about the lack of evidence or clarity.

Common error

Avoid drawing definitive conclusions when the underlying basis is uncertain. Acknowledge the limitations and potential for alternative interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain basis" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically describing a reason, argument, or foundation that is not firmly established or reliable. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncertain basis" is used to describe situations where a foundation or reason lacks sufficient evidence or clarity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in science and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the specific nature of the uncertainty. Related alternatives include "shaky foundation" and "tenuous grounds". While grammatically correct, it's important to acknowledge limitations of conclusions drawn from a foundation which can be qualified as an "uncertain basis".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaky foundation

Replaces 'basis' with 'foundation' implying a lack of stability.

tenuous grounds

Substitutes both words for alternatives that suggest weakness and lack of support.

dubious premise

Changes 'basis' to 'premise' and 'uncertain' to 'dubious', indicating doubt about the starting point.

questionable justification

Replaces 'basis' with 'justification' and 'uncertain' with 'questionable', suggesting doubt regarding the reason behind something.

unreliable footing

Alters the phrase to emphasize a lack of reliability and stability.

fragile rationale

Suggests the reasoning is weak and easily broken.

speculative foundation

Indicates the basis is based on speculation rather than concrete evidence.

unconfirmed assumption

Highlights that the underlying idea is not yet verified.

indefinite grounds

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition in the basis.

unsubstantiated claim

Indicates that the basis lacks proof or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncertain basis" to describe situations where a decision, argument, or conclusion lacks a solid foundation. For example, "The policy was implemented on an uncertain basis due to the lack of data."

What are some alternatives to "uncertain basis"?

You can use alternatives like "shaky foundation", "tenuous grounds", or "dubious premise" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "uncertain basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncertain basis" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing research, analysis, or decision-making processes where the validity of the foundation is being questioned.

What does it mean when something is described as being based on an "uncertain basis"?

It means that the idea, argument, or decision is built upon something that is not solid, reliable, or fully supported by evidence. This suggests a need for further investigation or caution in accepting the conclusions.