which was based

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which was based" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is founded or derived from a particular source or idea. Example: "The movie, which was based on a true story, captivated audiences with its emotional depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Section 329a of this title, which was based on par.

Cornell University

This eliminated the old system, which was based on geography.

The New York Times

Akron, which was based at Lakehurst, took 73 lives.

The New York Times

Franklin, which was based in Houston, declared bankruptcy in 2008.

The New York Times

According to public documents, Chadborg Trade LLP, which was based in the U.K., wholly owned Lotus Capital, which was based in Russia.

The New Yorker

He was "absolutely shattered" at his sacking, which was based on a "misunderstanding".

The Guardian

(He has appealed his recent suspension, which was based on these allegations).

The New Yorker

In 1995, he sold his first publishing company, Future Network, which was based in Bath, England.

The New York Times - Tech

The movement's credibility, which was based on running its own state, has been sapped.

The New Yorker

Herzl's Zionism, which was based on creating security for an endangered people, dissipated.

The New Yorker

Ditto in today's update, which was based on questioning completed on Wednesday.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which was based" to connect a concept or idea to its origin or foundation. This provides context and helps readers understand the development of the subject.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that" for "which" when using "which was based" in a nonrestrictive clause (a clause that adds extra information but is not essential to the sentence's meaning). Use "which" in these cases, setting off the clause with commas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which was based" functions as a relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a noun. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase indicates that something is founded or derived from a particular source or idea. The relative pronoun "which" introduces the clause, modifying the preceding noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which was based" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to provide context about the origins or foundation of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various authoritative sources. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being founded or derived. Pay attention to using "which" appropriately in nonrestrictive clauses, setting them off with commas. Alternative phrases like "that stemmed from" or "that derived from" can offer similar meanings depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "which was based" is a common and useful phrase in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that stemmed from

Emphasizes the origin or source of something.

that derived from

Highlights the process of obtaining or developing something from a source.

that originated in

Focuses on the place or point where something began.

that had its foundation in

Stresses the underlying principles or basis of something.

that was grounded in

Emphasizes a solid or fundamental basis.

that drew from

Indicates that something was taken or extracted from a source.

that was predicated on

Indicates that something is based on a particular condition or assumption.

that rested on

Highlights the reliance of something on a specific support or basis.

that was modeled after

Suggests that something was created to resemble or imitate something else.

that took inspiration from

Highlights the creative influence behind something.

FAQs

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

Use "which was based" to provide additional information about the origin or foundation of something. For instance, "The film, "which was based on a true story", received critical acclaim."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "which was based"?

You can use phrases like "that stemmed from", "that derived from", or "that originated in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "that was based" can be grammatically correct, "which was based" is preferred in nonrestrictive clauses that provide additional, non-essential information. Using "which" helps to set off the clause with commas, improving readability.

What is the difference between "which was based on" and "which was derived from"?

"Which was based on" generally indicates a foundation or starting point, while "which was derived from" suggests a process of obtaining or developing something from a source. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the initial basis or the developmental process.