をもとに | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + をもとに [noun] + をもとにして [noun] + をもとにした + [noun]

Description

The grammar structure をもとに is used to express that something is based on, derived from, or built upon a source of information, material, or inspiration. It indicates that the source serves as the foundation or starting point for creating, developing, or doing something new.

The noun before を represents the original source (data, experience, story, etc.), and what follows describes what was created or done using that source.

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This movie was made based on a true story.

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I wrote a report based on the results of the survey.

Variations: をもとにして

をもとにして is an extended form with the same meaning. The addition of して does not change the core meaning but is sometimes preferred for stylistic reasons or to make the sentence flow more naturally.

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We developed a new service based on the survey results.

Modifying a noun: をもとにした

When をもとに directly modifies a noun, it takes the form をもとにした + Noun.

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Novels based on facts are popular.

をもとに vs. に基づいて

Both をもとに and にもとづいて基づいて can translate to "based on," but they differ in nuance. をもとに implies using something as raw material or inspiration to create something new – the result may differ significantly from the original. に基づいて implies acting in accordance with or strictly following a set of rules, data, or principles. It suggests closer adherence to the source.

Compare:

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I wrote a novel based on history. (inspired by; the novel may be fictional)

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I wrote a paper based on history. (grounded in historical facts)

Examples

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This novel was written based on an actual incident.

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We improved the product based on customer feedback.

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A drama based on his experiences will air next month.

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Let's make future plans based on this statistical data.

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A game based on a legend became a huge hit.

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I rewrote my paper based on the teacher's advice.

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I came up with a new approach based on past failures.

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I made this dish based on my grandmother's recipe.

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I compiled a report based on the field survey.

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Anime based on old Japanese folktales is popular with children.

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What are you basing that claim on?

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She published a book based on her study-abroad experience.

References

をもとにBunpro