theoretical base/basis

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milan2003_07

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Hello,

"Similarity between the algorithms is connected with the fact that most of them are based on some theoretical basis/base"

Which option is correct? I would choose "theoretical basis".

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Barb_D

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May I suggest instead: The algorithms are similar because they are based on the same theory.
 

lotus888

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Or try:

Similarities between the algorithms are due to the fact that most of them are based on the same theoretical structure or technique.



--lotus
 
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milan2003_07

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Ok, thanks a lot for your responses. What do you think about the collocations themselves? Is it correct to say "theoretical base" and "theoretical basis"?

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Barb_D

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As a stand-alone phrase, "on a theoretical basis" is fine. But NOT "based on the same [any word] basis."

Generally speaking, if you can reduce "nouns made from verbs" (similarities, basis) from your writing, your writing will be more crisp.

"The similarities are due to the fact that" is much more clearly written as "they are similar because."
 

MikeNewYork

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In almost all cases, I would avoid "the fact that". It usually adds nothing but words.
 
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