on the basis of

Meaning

This prepositional phrase means 'because of', 'based on', or 'using the facts of'. It is used in formal writing to show the foundation, reason, or evidence behind a decision, conclusion, or theory. It connects an outcome directly to its supporting data or principles.

Examples

• Participants were selected on the basis of their previous academic performance.

  Participants were selected on the basis of their previous academic performance.

• We formulated our hypothesis on the basis of the preliminary data.

  We formulated our hypothesis on the basis of the preliminary data.

• The committee made its decision on the basis of the university's strict guidelines.

  The committee made its decision on the basis of the university's strict guidelines.

• Arguments should be evaluated on the basis of evidence rather than personal belief.

  Arguments should be evaluated on the basis of evidence rather than personal belief.

• The budget was allocated on the basis of student enrollment numbers.

  The budget was allocated on the basis of student enrollment numbers.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The decision was made in the basis of the survey results.

  ✓ The decision was made on the basis of the survey results.

  The correct preposition is 'on', not 'in' or 'at'.

• ✗ On the base of our research, we recommend further testing.

  ✓ On the basis of our research, we recommend further testing.

  Use the noun 'basis' in this fixed idiomatic phrase, not 'base'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Grants are awarded purely ___ academic merit.

  💡 using the foundation of

  Show answer

  on the basis of

• We cannot draw a firm conclusion ___ such limited evidence.

  💡 based on

  Show answer

  on the basis of