What is the difference between 'bases' and 'basis'?

The words bases and basis are often confused because they are easy to mistype. In this article, we explain the difference between them.

Basis means a starting point, base or foundation for an argument or hypothesis when used as a noun.

Bases means foundations or starting points, checkpoints when used as a noun.

A good way to remember the difference is Bases is the plural of base.

Out of the two words, 'basis' is the most common. It appears about seven times more frequently than 'bases'.

Bases and basis are easy to confuse because they are homophones. Here's the difference:

Bases is the plural form of the noun "base." It means "a foundation or groundwork." It can also be the third-person singular present form of the verb "to base." As a verb, it means "establishes or lays a foundation."

Basis is a noun that means "a fundemental principle or a basic unit."

Cofusingly, bases is also the plural form of basis.

Should I use 'the bases of the' or 'the basis of the'?

The right expression is 'the bases of the'. These phrases are often confused because of their similar spelling.

What's the correct phrase 'acrylic resin denture bases' or 'acrylic resin denture basis'?

The correct expression is 'acrylic resin denture bases'. These phrases are often confused because they have a similar spelling.

Is the correct phrase 'of the bases of' or 'of the basis of'?

The correct phrase is 'of the bases of'. These phrases are often confused because of their similar spelling.

Should I use 'at the bases of' or 'at the basis of'?

The correct expression is 'at the bases of'. These phrases are often confused because they appear similar.

Is the right expression 'Royal Air Force bases' or 'Royal Air Force basis'?

The right phrase is 'Royal Air Force bases'. These phrases are often confused because they have a similar spelling.

Which is correct 'on the basis of' or 'on the bases of'?

You should use 'on the basis of'. These phrases are often confused because they are easy to mistype.

Is the correct phrase 'the basis of the' or 'the bases of the'?

The right expression is 'the basis of the'. These phrases are often confused because they look similar.

Which is correct 'On the basis of' or 'On the bases of'?

The right phrase is 'On the basis of'. These phrases are often confused because they are easy to mistype.

Is the expression 'the basis of a' or 'the bases of a'?

The correct phrase is 'the basis of a'. These phrases are often confused because they are easy to mistype.

Should I use ', on the basis' or ', on the bases'?

The correct phrase is ', on the basis'. These phrases are often confused because they have a similar spelling.

Some synonyms of bases are: component part, principles, supports, cores, base.

Some synonyms of basis are: reason, foundation, root, base, supposal.

Never confuse bases and basis again. Install our free grammar checker browser extension.

The definitions in this article were adapted from Wiktionary and dictionary.com.