English Preposition: on the basis of
Meaning: This preposition phrase indicates the reason, foundation, or criterion for a decision, action, or judgment. It means “because of,” “according to,” “as per,” or “in accordance with” something. It is often used in formal or professional contexts to explain the grounds for something.
Pronunciation: /ɒn ðə ˈbeɪsɪs əv/ (British English) or /ɑːn ðə ˈbeɪsɪs əv/ (American English). The primary stress falls on “ba” in “basis” (/ˈbeɪsɪs/), with secondary stress on “of.” Say it as “on thuh BAY-sis uv,” blending “the” quickly in natural speech.
Morphology and Grammar Notes: “On the basis of” is a multi-word preposition phrase derived from the noun “basis” (from Latin basis, meaning “base” or “foundation”). It functions adverbially or as a prepositional object, often introducing a noun clause. It is not inflected but can be disjunctive (e.g., “on the basis of this… or that”). Avoid splitting it awkwardly in sentences; it’s formal and less common in casual talk.
Examples:
- Simple: The team selected her on the basis of her skills.
- Medium: The judge ruled on the basis of the evidence provided in court.
- Complex: On the basis of the extensive research conducted over several years, which revealed significant patterns in climate data, scientists now predict more frequent extreme weather events in the coming decades.
Synonyms: based on, according to, due to, in light of. Antonyms: contrary to, despite, regardless of. Common Word Combinations: on the basis of evidence, facts, experience, results, or recommendations. It’s frequently paired with abstract nouns in legal, academic, or business writing.
Short Interesting Facts: This phrase originates from legal and philosophical language, echoing the Greek term for “pedestal” or “foundation.” It’s more precise than “based on,” as “basis” implies a structured foundation. In modern usage, it appears in international treaties and corporate policies to ensure transparency in decisions.
Cultural or Contextual Features: Common in English-speaking professional environments like law, science, and journalism. In American English, it’s prevalent in policy documents (e.g., hiring practices to avoid discrimination). In British English, it’s used in parliamentary debates. Culturally, it promotes accountability, reflecting values of fairness in democratic societies.
Tips on How to Learn It Easier: Link it to the image of a building’s “basis” or foundation—decisions stand “on” it. Practice by replacing “because” in sentences with this phrase for formality. Read news articles (e.g., BBC or NYT) to see it in context, and use flashcards pairing it with synonyms like “based on” to build associations.
Mini-Tasks for Students:
- Make a sentence: Write one using “on the basis of” about your daily routine (e.g., why you choose a meal).
- Find a synonym: Replace “on the basis of” in the simple example above with a synonym and explain the nuance.
- Spot it in context: Read a short news paragraph online and identify if/ how this phrase could fit.
Further Reading: Check “on the basis of” in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary or Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English for more examples.