On the Basis Of – Meaning, Usage, and Practical Examples
The phrase on the basis of is a common prepositional expression in English that signals the reason, foundation, or criterion upon which something is decided, judged, or performed. Understanding its precise meaning helps writers and speakers convey clarity, especially in academic, legal, and professional contexts. Below we explore the definition, grammatical structure, synonyms, typical contexts, and illustrative examples to give you a thorough grasp of how to use on the basis of correctly and effectively.
1. Core Meaning
On the basis of means “according to,” “because of,” or “founded on.” It introduces the factor or set of facts that serve as the groundwork for a conclusion, action, or decision. In essence, it answers the question “Why?” or “On what grounds?”
- Example: The committee approved the grant on the basis of the researcher’s preliminary data.
Here, the preliminary data constitute the reason for the approval.
2. Grammatical Structure
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| On | Preposition indicating relation |
| the basis | Noun phrase meaning “foundation” or “ground” |
| of | Preposition linking the basis to the specific reason |
| [noun/noun phrase/clause] | The actual reason, evidence, or criterion |
The entire phrase acts as a prepositional phrase that can modify verbs, adjectives, or whole clauses. It often appears mid‑sentence but can also start a sentence for emphasis.
- Sentence‑initial: On the basis of recent surveys, the city council revised its transportation plan.
- Mid‑sentence: The verdict was reached on the basis of contradictory eyewitness testimony.
3. Synonyms and Near‑Equivalents
Using synonyms can avoid repetition and fine‑tune tone. Choose the one that matches the register of your text.
| Synonym | Nuance |
|---|---|
| according to | Slightly more neutral; often used with sources |
| because of | Direct causal link; informal |
| on the grounds of | Formal, common in legal writing |
| based on | Very common; can be adjective or verb form |
| in light of | Suggests consideration of new information |
| owing to | Formal, emphasizes cause |
| due to | Similar to “because of”; must follow a noun |
Note: While these alternatives overlap, on the basis of carries a slightly more formal, deliberative tone, making it preferable in academic papers, policy documents, and court rulings.
4. Typical Contexts of Use
4.1 Academic Writing
Researchers frequently invoke on the basis of when linking hypotheses to data, or when justifying methodological choices.
- The statistical model was selected on the basis of its ability to handle missing values.
- Conclusions were drawn on the basis of a longitudinal study spanning five years.
4.2 Legal and Policy Documents
Legal texts rely on precise causation; on the basis of clarifies the statutory or evidential foundation for rulings.
- The defendant was acquitted on the basis of insufficient evidence.
- Regulations were amended on the basis of the latest environmental impact assessment.
4.3 Business and Management
Managers cite performance metrics, market research, or risk analyses when making strategic decisions.
- Promotions were awarded on the basis of quarterly sales figures.
- The budget was reallocated on the basis of projected ROI.
4.4 Everyday Conversation
Though less common in casual speech, the phrase appears when speakers want to sound deliberate or formal Turns out it matters..
- I chose this restaurant on the basis of its vegetarian options.
- She declined the invitation on the basis of a prior commitment.
5. Step‑by‑Step Guide to Using On the Basis Of Correctly
- Identify the Reason – Determine the exact fact, data, or principle that justifies the action or conclusion.
- Place the Phrase – Insert on the basis of immediately before that reason.
- Match Verb Tense – Ensure the main verb aligns with the temporal context (past, present, future).
- Check Formality – If the tone is too stiff for the audience, consider swapping for based on or because of.
- Avoid Redundancy – Do not pair on the basis of with another causal connector (e.g., “because on the basis of” is incorrect).
Illustrative Walk‑through
- Reason: The prototype passed all safety tests.
- Sentence: The product was released on the basis of successful safety testing.
6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Explanation | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Using a clause without a noun | On the basis of must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause. Plus, | |
| Overusing in informal speech | The phrase can sound stilted in casual conversation. | Prefer on the basis of + noun, or rephrase: because / since. On the flip side, |
| Confusing with “on the basis that” | On the basis that introduces a clause, but it is less common and can sound awkward. | |
| Misplacing modifiers | Placing modifiers between on and the basis breaks the idiom. | Incorrect: On firmly the basis of … <br>Correct: On the firm basis of … (if you need an adjective, place it after basis). |
7. Semantic Variations and Related Phrases
Understanding related expressions expands your lexical repertoire Small thing, real impact..
- Based on – Often interchangeable; can function as an adjective (based‑on research).
- In accordance with – Implies compliance with a rule or standard.
- Contingent upon – Suggests dependence; more conditional than causal.
- Subject to – Indicates that something may change if the basis changes.
Example contrast:
- The loan was granted on the basis of the applicant’s credit score. (cause)
- The loan is subject to approval on the basis of the applicant’s credit score. (condition)
8. Practical Exercise: Rewrite Sentences
Practice solidifies understanding. Rewrite each sentence using on the basis of (or a synonym) while preserving meaning.
-
Because the data showed a trend, the team changed the strategy.
Answer: The team changed the strategy on the basis of the data showing a trend. -
The judge dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
Answer: The judge dismissed the case on the basis of insufficient evidence. -
We selected the vendor after reviewing their portfolio.
** -
The company chose the vendor on the basis of its comprehensive portfolio review.
Additional Nuances
While on the basis of conveys a clear cause‑and‑effect relationship, there are subtle differences that can affect tone and register. For instance:
- On the side of – This collocation usually implies support rather than causation. It is appropriate when emphasizing a position taken in favour of something, e.g., “the proposal stood on the side of environmental sustainability.”
- Leveraging – When you want to stress active use of resources, “leveraging the data on the basis of recent market shifts” sounds dynamic yet retains the causal link.
- Due to – Though often used for reasons, due to can also serve as a concise substitute for on the basis of in formal writing: “The project was delayed due to unforeseen supply chain disruptions.”
Avoid conflating these phrases; mixing them can create ambiguous or redundant constructions. A quick checklist before using any of them includes:
- Identify whether the word signals causality (e.g., because of, on the basis of), support/participation (e.g., on the side of), or conditional dependence (e.g., contingent upon).
- Verify that the noun or noun phrase follows correctly—no extra clauses should intervene between on and the basis.
- Match the formality level to your audience; on the basis of remains preferred in academic papers and business reports, whereas due to or because of suit spoken contexts.
Final Takeaway
Mastering on the basis of equips writers with a precise tool for expressing why decisions are made, what criteria drive outcomes, or how one factor underpins another. Now, use it judiciously, and let it reinforce logical flow instead of sounding forced. By pairing it correctly with a noun phrase and respecting its causal semantics, you enhance clarity and professionalism across all written genres. In doing so, you will produce prose that is both coherent and persuasive—a hallmark of effective communication Simple as that..
