were based on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were based on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a circumstance that has influenced a decision or outcome. For example, "The project parameters were based on the findings of last year's study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fantasies were based on American realities.

The Economist

The cases were based on confessions.

The New York Times

Both reports were based on listener surveys.

The New York Times

Past estimates were based on adults.

The Guardian

Many were based on Iraqi defectors.

The New Yorker

"The police charges were based on hearsay.

The New York Times

The EU sanctions were based on these.

Independent

Later models were based on the Ford Mustang.

The New York Times

Those sanctions were based on drug tests.

The New York Times - Sports

Promotions were based on merit tests.

The New York Times

Many Nixon stories were based on reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were based on", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being founded or derived and the object specifies the source or foundation. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were based on" when the subject is vague or undefined. For example, instead of saying "Decisions were based on data", specify whose decisions and which data: "The management's decisions were based on the sales data from Q2."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were based on" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject's characteristics, actions, or conclusions have their origins in something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and, according to the examples, is commonly found in news and academic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were based on" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates the foundation or origin of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this passive construction is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using "were based on", be sure to clearly identify both the subject and the source to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "stemmed from" or "founded upon" can be used to add nuance. Its widespread usage and clear grammatical function make it a valuable asset in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

founded upon

Stresses the establishment of something on a particular basis.

had its basis in

Indicates the fundamental element or principle.

derived from

Emphasizes the source from which something is obtained.

were grounded in

Highlights a firm or solid foundation.

stemmed from

Focuses on the origin or root cause.

rested on

Implies reliance or dependence on something.

predicated on

Highlights the assumptions or conditions upon which something relies.

were rooted in

Emphasizes deep origins or connections.

originated from

Points to the initial starting point or creation.

were constructed from

Highlights that something was built or assembled using specific components.

FAQs

How can I use "were based on" in a sentence?

Use "were based on" to indicate the foundation or origin of something. For example, "The movie's plot "was based on" a true story".

What are some alternatives to "were based on"?

You can use alternatives such as "stemmed from", "derived from", or "founded upon", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was based on" instead of "were based on"?

Yes, "was based on" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "were based on" is used for plural subjects. For instance, "The decision was based on evidence", but "The decisions "were based on" evidence".

What is the difference between "were based on" and "were inspired by"?

"Were based on" implies a direct foundation or source, while "were inspired by" suggests influence. For example, "The design was based on historical documents" means it directly replicated those documents, whereas "The design "were inspired by" historical documents" means it drew ideas from them but is not a direct copy.