which is based on

USAGE SUMMARY

"which is based on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is derived from or founded on something else. For example, "He designed a new teaching curriculum which is based on best teaching practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The claim, which is based on flimsy evidence, takes one more step toward annealed, common wisdom.

The Washington Post

One method is fee-based services, which is based on total assets being managed.

Forbes

Which is based on my own story.

The Guardian - Tech

(DBC), which is based on the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity Index.

The New York Times

We have two systems an economic system, which is based on inequality, and a political system, which is based on equality.

Harvard University

"You've got that Chicago economy, which is based on multiple industries and has really taken off.

The New York Times

He thinks hard, perhaps too hard, even about that which is based on pleasure.

The New York Times

Google has developed Google TV, which is based on the Chrome web browser.

The Guardian

More recently, many switched to VeraCrypt, which is based on TrueCrypt 7.1a.

The Guardian - Tech

Jake Arnott's novels include He Kills Coppers, which is based on the life of Harry Roberts.

The Guardian

Overseas, I recommend Ryan Air in Dublin, which is based on the Southwest model.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is based on", ensure that the relationship between the subject and its foundation is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify what specific elements are derived or influenced.

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree of dependence. Using "which is based on" implies a fundamental relationship, so ensure that the connection is substantial and not merely superficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is based on" functions as a relative clause introducing a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun by providing information about the foundation or origin of that noun. As Ludwig confirms, this structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which is based on" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the foundation or origin of a subject. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase is categorized as having a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the construction is correct, and its frequent use underscores its importance in articulating the basis for ideas, systems, or creations. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the reader understands the relationship between the subject and its foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is grounded in

Highlights a firm foundation or basis in a particular principle or fact.

that is founded upon

Emphasizes the establishment of something on a particular base or principle.

that stems from

Indicates origin or source, slightly emphasizing the development from a particular point.

that derives from

Highlights the origin or extraction of something from a source.

that is rooted in

Implies a deep and fundamental connection to an origin or cause.

that originates in

Focuses on the place or point where something begins or arises.

that relies upon

Emphasizes dependence on something else as a necessary condition.

that is predicated on

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

which draws on

Suggests utilizing something as a resource or influence

that hinges on

Suggests that the outcome or validity depends critically on a specific factor.

FAQs

How can I use "which is based on" in a sentence?

Use "which is based on" to describe something whose existence, validity, or characteristics depend on something else. For example, "The movie, which is based on a true story, was a critical success."

What are some alternatives to "which is based on"?

You can use alternatives like "that stems from", "that derives from", or "that is grounded in" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that is based on" instead of "which is based on"?

Yes, "that is based on" is often interchangeable with "which is based on", but "which" is generally used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing additional information, whereas "that" is used in restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning.

What is the difference between "which is based on" and "which relies on"?

"Which is based on" indicates a foundation or origin, while "which relies on" suggests a dependence for proper functioning or existence. The former describes the basis, the latter the sustenance.