was based upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was based upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is derived from or founded on a particular source or idea. Example: "The film was based upon a true story that captivated audiences around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was based upon fragmentary intelligence, ancient intelligence.

The New York Times

Schumpeter's conjecture was based upon little more than casual empiricism.

Harvard University

Subsistence was based upon corn farming and upon hunting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Footwear was based upon the Greek but was more varied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The experimental procedure was based upon ASTM E2079-07.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

The choice of implanted species was based upon thermodynamic considerations.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It was based upon where we could prove interception had occurred under the relevant statute.

The Guardian - Opinion

The story was based upon a tip-off about what the government was about to propose.

The Guardian

The amount of the rebate was based upon the school district the homeowner was in.

The New York Times

He said that it was based upon a fatally mistaken premise.

The New Yorker

The story was based upon the author's memories of his childhood in Hannibal, Mo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was based upon" to clearly indicate the foundation or source of an idea, theory, or creation. For example, "The research was based upon previous studies in the field."

Common error

Avoid using "was based upon" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor or agent responsible for the basing. Instead of "The decision was based upon the report", specify who based the decision on the report: "The committee based its decision upon the report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was based upon" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the foundation or origin of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous examples, showing its role in establishing the basis for an idea, decision, or creation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was based upon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to indicate the foundation or origin of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and notes its prevalence across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While "was based on" is a more common alternative, "was based upon" remains a valid choice, particularly when a slightly more formal tone is desired. Remember to use it in active constructions to clearly indicate who or what established the foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had its basis in

Highlights the fundamental or underlying reason or principle for something.

derived from

Highlights the extraction or obtaining of something from a specific source.

was grounded in

Emphasizes that something is firmly rooted or established in a particular principle or reality.

was founded on

Emphasizes the establishment or creation of something with a particular basis or principle.

was built on

Focuses on the construction or development of something with a particular foundation or structure.

was predicated on

Suggests that something is affirmed or based on certain assumptions or conditions.

rested on

Indicates that something relies on or depends on a specific foundation or support.

originated from

Stresses the point of origin or beginning of something.

stemmed from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something originates or develops.

was informed by

Implies that something was shaped or influenced by particular knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

What does "was based upon" mean?

The phrase "was based upon" means that something is founded on, derived from, or originates from a particular source, idea, or principle. It indicates the foundation upon which something is built or developed.

How can I use "was based upon" in a sentence?

You can use "was based upon" to show the origin or foundation of something. For instance, "The movie "was based upon" a true story" or "Her theory "was based upon" extensive research".

What are some alternatives to "was based upon"?

Some alternatives include "stemmed from", "derived from", "founded on", or "rested on". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was based on" or "was based upon"?

While "was based on" and "was based upon" are often used interchangeably, "was based on" is generally more common and considered more modern. "Was based upon" can sound slightly more formal or archaic, but both are grammatically correct. Choose the one that fits the tone of your writing.