Have you heard people say something is “based off” a book or a movie? Is that correct, or should it be “based on”?
Based on is the standard form. It says that one thing uses another as its source or starting point. It is correct in every situation, and it is the safe choice in writing and at work.
Based off (or based off of) is a newer, informal way to say the same thing. You’ll often hear it in spoken English, especially in the U.S., but many people still think it sounds wrong.
“Based off” is becoming more popular, but “based on” is safer, especially at school, in writing, or at work.
Use based on for formal writing, school, and work.
“Based off” is casual and common in speech, but some people consider it incorrect.
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