basis
B2Formal to neutral; common in professional, academic, and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The fundamental principle, foundation, or starting point from which something develops, operates, or is calculated.
A regular or established procedure, pattern, or schedule; also, the set of assumptions or standards against which something is measured or compared.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily singular, but can be pluralised as 'bases' /ˈbeɪsiːz/. Often implies a degree of abstraction or underlying logic, not a physical foundation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is highly consistent. The plural 'bases' is the same. The phrase 'on a ... basis' is extremely common in both varieties, though slightly more formulaic in business English.
Connotations
Neutral and procedural in both. Slight connotation of bureaucratic or systematic organisation when used in 'on a daily/weekly basis'.
Frequency
Very high and comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the basis for [noun phrase]the basis of [noun phrase]on a [adjective] basison the basis that [clause]on the basis of [noun phrase/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on a first-name basis (with someone)”
- “on a need-to-know basis”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for contracts, schedules, and calculations: 'We bill clients on a monthly basis.' 'What is the cost basis for this asset?'
Academic
Used for theoretical foundations: 'The study provides a basis for future research.'
Everyday
Used for routines and reasons: 'I go to the gym on a regular basis.' 'She was chosen on the basis of her experience.'
Technical
In mathematics/computing: 'a vector basis', 'basis function'. In law: 'jurisdictional basis'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The report was based on extensive research.
- We should base our decision on the facts.
American English
- The movie is based on a true story.
- Their strategy is based on market analysis.
adverb
British English
- Basically, we need to start again.
- The design is basically sound.
American English
- It's basically the same idea.
- He's basically in charge of the project.
adjective
British English
- It's a basic principle of law.
- We offer a basic package and a premium one.
American English
- She took a basic course in programming.
- Let's cover the basic concepts first.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We meet on a regular basis.
- Trust is the basis of a good friendship.
- The decision was made on the basis of the available evidence.
- Employees are paid on a monthly basis.
- The theory provided a solid basis for further experimentation.
- They assess applications on a case-by-case basis.
- The ethical basis of the policy has been called into question by several philosophers.
- The algorithm operates on the basis of probabilistic inference rather than deterministic rules.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BASIS as the BASE or bottom layer (BASE-is) on which you build an idea, system, or schedule.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE BUILDINGS (the basis is the foundation), SYSTEMS ARE STRUCTURES, REGULARITY IS A SOLID SURFACE (on a daily basis).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'база' (which is more like a physical base/depot). 'Basis' is more abstract. The Russian 'на основе' maps closely to 'on the basis of'.
- The plural 'bases' sounds like 'base' + 'ease' /ˈbeɪsiːz/, not like the plural of 'base' (military bases).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'basises' (correct: bases).
- Using a singular verb with the plural 'bases': 'The bases is...' (correct: 'The bases are...').
- Overusing 'on a ... basis' where simpler adverbs exist: 'on a daily basis' vs. 'daily'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'basis'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Basis' is abstract (the basis of an argument). 'Base' is often physical (the base of a statue) or organisational (military base). 'Base' can also be a verb.
It's grammatically correct but often considered wordy. In many contexts, the simple adverb 'daily' is preferred for conciseness.
It is pronounced /ˈbeɪsiːz/ (bay-seez). Be careful not to confuse it with the plural of 'base' (military bases), which is pronounced /ˈbeɪsɪz/.
Rarely and usually in specialised contexts (e.g., 'the basis of a skull' in anatomy). It is overwhelmingly used for abstract foundations, principles, or regular procedures.