Sign In Get Started
Prepositions before nouns

“On basis” or “of basis”?

English usually uses the full expression on the basis of. The shorter forms on basis and of basis are generally incomplete in standard English.

Quick answer

Use “on the basis of”

The standard expression is on the basis of followed by evidence, facts, or criteria. On basis is usually missing the article the and of basis is not a normal standalone expression.

The decision was made on the basis of available data.
Students were selected on the basis of academic performance.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
on the basis of + evidence

Giving reasons or justification

Use this phrase to explain what supports a decision or judgment.

The report was written on the basis of interviews.
2
on the basis of + criteria

Explaining selection or evaluation

This structure is common in formal and academic English.

Applicants are chosen on the basis of experience.
3
basis for + noun

Showing foundation or support

Basis for introduces what something supports or explains.

There is no basis for concern at this stage.
4
basis of + noun phrase

Using “basis” inside a larger structure

Basis of appears after another noun or article, not usually alone.

They questioned the basis of the claim.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
on basis
This form is usually incomplete in standard English.
English normally requires the article: on the basis of.
of basis
This combination is not normally used alone.
Basis usually needs a larger structure such as basis of the argument.
on the basis of
The award was given on the basis of merit.
According to or supported by something.
basis for
We found no basis for the accusation.
Foundation or justification for something.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Omitting the article in the fixed phrase

Standard English uses on the basis of, not on basis of.

✕ They hired her on basis of experience. ✓ They hired her on the basis of experience.

Using “of basis” as a free expression

Of basis is not normally idiomatic by itself.

✕ The report lacked of basis. ✓ The report lacked a solid basis.

Confusing “basis of” and “basis for”

Basis of identifies the underlying element, while basis for introduces what is supported.

✕ There is no basis of the complaint. ✓ There is no basis for the complaint.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The scholarship was awarded ___ the basis of exam results.
2. We found no basis ___ the allegation.
3. They questioned the basis ___ the decision.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is “on basis” correct?

Usually no. Standard English prefers on the basis of.

What comes after “on the basis of”?

It is followed by evidence, criteria, facts, merit, or similar supporting information.

When do we use “basis for”?

Use it when something provides support or justification for another thing.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account