Revised as of
26 June 2023
This word confusion, well, phrase confusion, really, cropped up in a listserv to which I belong, and I thought I would explore it. And it continues to amaze me how particular English can be . . . or should I say, how particular grammarians are, lol.
Based on and on the basis of say the same thing. What makes the difference is that the former modifies nouns or pronouns while the latter is strictly for the verbs.
| Phrases starting with . . . | |
|---|---|
| . . .based on modifies a noun or pronoun | . . .on the basis of modifies a verb |
| Based on extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. | On the basis of extensive study, this genetic deficiency was attributed to the loss of one isozyme. |
| Based on Jamieson’s theory on osteoarthritis knee pain, new methods evolved. | On the basis of Jamieson’s theory, new methods evolved in the treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain. |
| Based on the molecular orbital calculations, a mechanism was proposed that can account for all the major features of alkali and alkaline earth catalyzed gasification reactions. | On the basis of the molecular orbital calculations, we propose a mechanism that can account for all the major features of alkali and alkaline earth catalyzed gasification reactions. |
| The administration sent a document based on your suggestion.
Describes the nearest noun and indicates that you had something to do with the document’s content. |
The administration sent a document on the basis of your suggestion.
Describes the verb, sent, and indicates that the idea of sending the document (rather than perhaps taking it in person) was yours.
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Legend:
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Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Based On | On The Basis Of |
|---|---|
Flag of Bermuda is courtesy of Pxfuel. — The Bermuda flag is based on the British flag. |
Unimog Design Study is Spielvogel’s own work under the CC0 license, via Wikimedia Commons. — This sport model was designed on the basis of the original Unimog from 1946. |
| Part of Grammar: | |
|
Participial phrase (Past Tense Verb + Preposition)
Verbal phrase, intransitive & transitive Third person present verb: bases |
Prepositional phrase |
| Modifies nouns, noun phrases, or pronouns, but not verbs
based may also be followed by upon To use particular ideas or facts to make a decision, do a calculation, or develop a theory Verb, intransitive:
To have or maintain a base Verb, transitive: To establish, as a fact or conclusion To place or establish on a base or basis
To station, place, or situate |
Starts a sentence and modifies verbs
A basic fact, amount, standard, etc., used in making computations, reaching conclusions, or the like |
| Examples: | |
| Verb, intransitive: Fluctuating prices are usually based on a fickle public’s demand. I believe they had been based on Greenland at one time. The movie is based on a true story. Your entitlement will be based on income. Beaches is a film based on a novel by Pat Conroy. Prices are based on two people sharing a room. Green politics are based on the belief that the resources of the planet are finite. Verb, transitive: Our plan is based on a rising economy. The prosecution’s case is based largely on evidence from ex-members of the gang. The squadron is based on a carrier. |
The company does not hire employees on the basis of their race, sex, age, or religion.
I suggest that we meet on a regular basis to discuss progress. The nurse is paid on an hourly basis. He was chosen on the basis of his college grades. |
| Derivatives: | |
| Noun: basing | |
| Phrasal Verb | |
| on a daily basis on a weekly basis on a day-to-day basis on a first-come, first-served basis on a friendly basis on a nightly basis on a regular basis on a rotating basis |
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Based On versus On The Basis Of
ACS Guide, p. 111
“AGU Grammar and Style Guide.” Department of Atmospheric Sciences. University of Washington. n.d. Web. n.d. <http://www.atmos.washington.edu/EDC/AGU_author_style_guide.pdf>
Apple Dictionary.com
Dictionary.com: based
MacMillan Dictionary: based on
Merriam-Webster: basis
Pinterest Photo Credits:
Ken Lay is courtesy of the United States Marshals Service and is in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons while “Bacon is Magic” is courtesy of Dave+Ayngelina.
