Difference between base and basis

[K.]

Test No. incompl/inter-60 "Cliches", question 8

You fill in those forms on a weekly ..........

(a) stand
(b) base
(c) size
(d) basis

Test No. incompl/inter-60 "Cliches", answer 8

You fill in those forms on a weekly basis.

Correct answer: (d) basis

Your answer was: incorrect
You fill in those forms on a weekly base.
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Hello,
what's the difference between base and basis in this sentence?

a bientot, K.

[Alan]

Hi K,

Thanks for an interesting question. The main difference is that base is the literal word and basis the figurative word. So base means the foundation/the bottom part. If you want to build something on the ground and you want it to be firm and not move, you must make sure that the base is solid. If you are talking about an argument/a discussion/a philosophy, you would use the word basis for the starting point.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/look

[Asad]

hello Mr.Alan

it seems i am removing the dust from old files!

so the answer precisely separates the two.Ok, lets have a look at this interesting discussion http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic11459.html would you please answer to queries raised in that discussion then i might have some more questions.

A little addition in reply to K

in addition to above the meaning(Mr.Alan`s post), the word `basis` also means `the way sth is organized or arranged`-oxford dictionary, this is what `basis` meant in your question.