The phrase “base on the information” is usually incorrect in standard English; the natural form is “based on the information.”
English learners run into “base on the information” all the time, especially in essays, reports, and emails at school or work. The phrase looks close to something native speakers say, yet teachers often mark it as wrong. This guide walks through what you should write instead, why the grammar works that way, and how to fix common mistakes in your own sentences.
You will see exactly when to use “base,” when to use “based,” how prepositions change the meaning, and how to adjust your wording for both formal and informal contexts. By the end, you will know which version fits academic writing, professional emails, and casual chats, without guessing.
Base On The Information Vs Based On The Information
The main confusion comes from mixing a verb form with a past participle form. “Base” is the simple verb, while “based” acts as the past participle or an adjective. In most cases, you want “based on the information,” not “base on the information.” That small “d” completely changes the structure of the sentence.
When you write “based on the information,” you describe the source or foundation of a decision, opinion, or result. Teachers and style guides treat this as natural, clear, and standard. In contrast, “base on the information” sounds incomplete because it usually misses an object, a subject, or a helping verb.
| Form | Correct Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Main verb with object | “We base our decision on the information from the survey.” |
| Based | Past participle or adjective | “Our decision is based on the information from the survey.” |
| Base On The Information | Usually incorrect alone | “We base on the information…” sounds unfinished. |
| Based On The Information | Natural and accepted phrase | “Based on the information, we changed the schedule.” |
| Base Something On | Correct phrasal pattern | “Teachers base grades on the information in exams.” |
| Be Based On | Passive construction | “Grades are based on the information in exams.” |
| Base | Dictionary form of the verb | “Writers base characters on real people.” |
How The Verb “Base” Works In Sentences
To use “base” correctly, you need a subject, the verb “base,” an object, and the preposition “on.” In other words, someone bases something on something. Without that middle object, the sentence feels broken.
Here is the basic pattern:
Subject + base + object + on + source.
For instance:
- “Researchers base their conclusions on the information collected in the study.”
- “We base our forecast on the information from last year’s sales.”
- “Teachers base homework marks on the information students provide in their answers.”
In each line, “base” has a clear object: “conclusions,” “forecast,” “homework marks.” The phrase “on the information” marks the source. If you remove the object and just say “We base on the information,” the structure no longer works in standard usage.
Major dictionaries show “base something on something” as the normal pattern for this verb. You can see this in the entry for base something on, which gives many similar examples of this structure.
How “Based On The Information” Functions
Now look at the phrase “based on the information.” Here, “based” behaves like a past participle or an adjective. It appears in two main ways: inside a passive sentence or as a reduced clause at the start or middle of a sentence.
Passive Sentences With “Be Based On”
In passive sentences, you combine a form of “be” with “based on” to show that one result rests on a source. For example:
- “The report is based on the information from the latest survey.”
- “Our decision was based on the information the team collected.”
- “Marks will be based on the information in your final project.”
Notice how “is,” “was,” and “will be” support “based.” Without a form of “be,” the sentence would sound clipped. Grammar guides often list this as the standard way to express a source for data, choices, and results. You can also see a similar pattern in the entry for based on, where the phrase appears with forms of “be.”
Introductory Phrases With “Based On The Information”
Writers often place “based on the information” at the beginning of a sentence as a shortened clause. This style appears in essays, research papers, and formal reports.
Here are some common patterns:
- “Based on the information provided, we adjusted the lesson plan.”
- “Based on the information in your application, the school offered you a place.”
- “Based on the information from last term, the teacher changed the grading policy.”
In full, those sentences could read “When we base our choice on the information provided…” or “When the decision is based on the information provided…” Writers simply shorten them to keep sentences clear and compact.
Where Learners Commonly Write Base On The Information
Even though base on the information sounds close to the correct phrase, it usually appears in places where a different form is needed. Here are typical contexts where learners run into trouble:
Academic Essays And Reports
In academic work, students often want to connect conclusions to data or sources. They might write lines such as:
- “Base on the information in Table 1, we can see that Group A improved.”
- “Base on the information from the questionnaire, the result is reliable.”
Teachers mark these as wrong because the subject and helping verb are missing. A better version would be:
- “Based on the information in Table 1, we can see that Group A improved.”
- “Based on the information from the questionnaire, the result appears reliable.”
In essays, that opening “based” phrase works well as long as it clearly connects to a subject later in the sentence. Reviewers often ask students to move the subject closer or rephrase if the sentence feels confusing.
Emails And Work Messages
Students and new professionals also use the phrase in emails to teachers, supervisors, or clients. You might see lines like:
- “Base on the information you sent, I finished the assignment.”
- “Base on the information from the last meeting, we changed the plan.”
These versions sound strange to native speakers. Small edits solve the problem:
- “Based on the information you sent, I finished the assignment.”
- “Based on the information from the last meeting, we changed the plan.”
Many writers also switch to the active pattern when they want a stronger subject: “We based our changes on the information from the last meeting.” Both structures work; they simply create slightly different rhythm and emphasis.
Simple Rules To Choose The Right Form
At this point, you might still hesitate before choosing between “base” and “based.” The following rules give you a fast check you can apply during writing or editing. These rules also help you avoid repeating base on the information in exams or assignments.
Rule 1: Check If You Need An Active Or Passive Sentence
Ask yourself whether you want to say who performs the action. If you want a clear subject that takes action, use the active pattern with “base” and an object:
- “Researchers base their model on the information from the trial.”
- “Teachers base grades on the information in written work.”
If you want to stress the result rather than the person, use the passive pattern with “is/was/will be based on”:
- “The model is based on the information from the trial.”
- “Grades are based on the information in written work.”
Rule 2: Do Not Leave “Base” Alone Before “On The Information”
If you write base on the information, stop and check whether the sentence has an object after “base.” If not, you likely need “based” instead. Compare these two forms:
- Wrong: “Base on the information, the answer is clear.”
- Better: “Based on the information, the answer is clear.”
The second sentence flows smoothly and matches how native speakers normally write. The first line feels like a missing piece in a grammar puzzle.
Rule 3: Use Commas With Introductory “Based On” Phrases
When “based on the information” appears at the start of a sentence, add a comma before the main clause. That small mark helps readers see where the opening phrase ends. Here are a few models:
- “Based on the information from the study, the teacher changed the syllabus.”
- “Based on the information from parents, the school altered its schedule.”
- “Based on the information in the report, the manager approved the project.”
If the phrase sits in the middle of the sentence, commas may or may not be needed, depending on how long the phrase is and how it fits the meaning. When in doubt, read the sentence aloud and check whether a pause feels natural.
Editing Checklist For Base On The Information Errors
Editing your own writing can feel hard, especially in a second language. A short checklist makes it easier to catch base on the information mistakes and fix them quickly. You can use the steps below when you review assignments, research papers, or work messages.
Step 1: Search For The Phrase
Use your document’s search tool to look for “base on the information” and “based on the information.” This quick scan shows you where the phrase appears and how often you repeat it. Try not to rely on the same phrase in every paragraph; small changes in wording keep your writing fresh.
Step 2: Check Sentence Structure
For each sentence that includes base on the information, ask these questions:
- Does “base” have a clear object?
- Should this sentence be active (“We base our view on…”) or passive (“Our view is based on…”)?
- Would an introductory phrase with “Based on the information…” sound cleaner?
If “base” has no object, change it to “based on the information” or rewrite the sentence with a subject and object. This simple habit reduces many grammar slips in essays and exam answers.
Step 3: Vary Your Source Phrases
Writers often repeat the same phrase again and again, which can sound dull to teachers and exam markers. You can keep the meaning while changing the wording slightly. Here are some alternatives you can mix with based on the information:
- “From the information in the table, we can see that…”
- “According to the information provided, the result shows that…”
- “Using the information collected, the study concludes that…”
- “Drawing on the information above, this essay argues that…”
Each line still points to a source, yet the language has more variety. This kind of variety helps long assignments read more smoothly.
Mini Reference For “Base” And “Based” In Study Writing
The table below gathers the most useful patterns in one place. You can keep this section open while writing essays, lab reports, or reflective pieces. It reminds you how to fix base on the information errors and move toward clearer sentences.
| Goal | Recommended Pattern | Model Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Show who makes a choice | Subject + base + object + on + source | “We base our decision on the information from the survey.” |
| Stress the result, not the person | Object + be based on + source | “Our decision is based on the information from the survey.” |
| Start with the source | Based on the information + comma + clause | “Based on the information collected, the study supports the claim.” |
| Refer to tables or figures | Based on the information in + table/figure | “Based on the information in Figure 2, sales rose in March.” |
| Summarize data in a report | Be based on + information/data/results | “The findings are based on the information from 300 students.” |
| Explain grading or marking | Be based on + information/criteria | “Final marks are based on the information in weekly quizzes.” |
| Connect sources and conclusions | Drawing on / using + information | “Using the information above, this essay supports online learning.” |
Practice Sentences To Strengthen Your Grammar
To move from theory to skill, you need practice. Short rewrites train your brain to notice patterns and fix mistakes faster. Try rewriting the sentences below so they use “base” or “based” correctly. After you write your answers, compare them with the suggested versions.
Rewrite With “Base”
Correct each sentence by using “base” with a clear object:
- “We base on the information from the lab.”
- “Teachers base on the information in the exam.”
- “The company base on the information from the survey.”
Possible fixes:
- “We base our analysis on the information from the lab.”
- “Teachers base final grades on the information in the exam.”
- “The company bases its plan on the information from the survey.”
Rewrite With “Based On The Information”
Now fix these sentences by using “based on the information” as an introductory phrase or passive structure:
- “Base on the information in Chart 1, the results show progress.”
- “The answer base on the information from the textbook.”
- “Base on the information from the interview, the report is complete.”
Possible fixes:
- “Based on the information in Chart 1, the results show progress.”
- “The answer is based on the information from the textbook.”
- “Based on the information from the interview, the report is complete.”
Final Tips For Clear Academic And Professional Writing
Language learners often worry that one small grammar slip will ruin a grade or a job application. In reality, teachers and managers mainly want clear, honest writing that matches standard patterns. If you pay attention to how you handle phrases like base on the information and based on the information, you already move closer to that goal.
Here is a short list of habits that help:
- Write full sentences during the first draft, then shorten them later if needed.
- Read your work aloud to check where phrases sound strange or incomplete.
- Compare your sentences with patterns from trusted dictionaries and style guides.
- Notice how teachers and editors rewrite your lines, and save those edits as models.
Each time you choose between “base” and “based,” you sharpen your control of English grammar. Over time, that control shows up in essays, presentations, research projects, and daily emails. The more you practice, the more natural phrases like “based on the information” will feel, and the less often you will need to stop and check them.