“Based Off” vs. “Based On”: What’s the Difference?

These two phrases are often confused, but only one is accepted in standard English.

Based on → ✔ Correct, standard, widely used Based off (or based off of) → ✘ Informal, nonstandard

Use based on in all formal, academic, and professional writing.

1. Based On

Meaning

Based on means that something is formed, created, supported, or developed because of or from something else.

It expresses a source, foundation, or origin.

Examples (10 total)

1. The movie is based on a true story.
2. Her decision was based on careful research.
3. The results are based on real data.
4. This design is based on user feedback.
5. His argument is based on facts.
6. The conclusion is based on evidence.
7. The plan is based on last year’s reports.
8. This recipe is based on my grandmother’s cooking.
9. The app is based on artificial intelligence.
10. Their success is based on teamwork.

🧠 Tip:
If something comes from or is built on something → use based on.

2. Based Off / Based Off Of

Meaning

Based off (or based off of) is an informal, mostly spoken expression.
Many people use it casually, but it is considered nonstandard and incorrect in formal writing.

It suggests separation (“off”) instead of origin (“on”), which doesn’t make logical sense for this phrase.

Examples (10 total – informal/nonstandard)

1. ❌ The movie is based off a true story.
2. ❌ His idea is based off a rumor.
3. ❌ The score is based off your performance.
4. ❌ Her guess was based off a feeling.
5. ❌ The rule is based off tradition.
6. ❌ Their design is based off ours.
7. ❌ The app is based off an old version.
8. ❌ The prediction is based off trends.
9. ❌ His opinion is based off one comment.
10. ❌ The decision was based off what she said.

🧠 Tip:
Avoid “based off” in writing — many editors treat it as incorrect.

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. How to Remember

👉 “On” shows foundation → based on something solid
👉 “Off” shows separation → not logical for this expression

Memory trick:
If something is built on something else → say based on, not off.

5. Common Mistakes

❌ Using “based off” in essays or work emails
✔ Use based on

❌ Thinking “based off of” is more correct than “based off”
✔ Both are nonstandard

❌ Mixing “based on” and “based off” in the same document
✔ Choose based on for consistency

Writing More Naturally

To sound professional and polished, stick with based on. If you want help smoothing out phrase choices or fixing subtle grammar issues, an AI humanizer can rewrite sentences so they read naturally and clearly.

FAQs

1. Is “based off” grammatically correct?

It's common in speech but considered nonstandard in writing.

2. Which should I use in formal writing?

Always use based on.

3. Is “based off of” acceptable?

It’s widely used in casual speech but not recommended in formal text.

4. Do “based on” and “based off” mean the same thing?

Yes in meaning, but not in correctness — based on is the proper form.

Practice: Choose the Correct Phrase

(Answers are at the end.)

1. The film is __________ a bestselling novel.
2. Her conclusion is __________ solid evidence.
3. The theory is __________ past research.
4. The score was __________ your performance.
5. Their new game is __________ an old version.

Answers

(All should use based on)

1. based on
2. based on
3. based on
4. based on
5. based on