grammar - Does something form the basis "of" or the basis "for" something else?


I am writing some technical documentation and I'm wondering whether of or for is the best word to use in the following sentence:



The framework and architecture will form the basis {of|for} our web applications.



This is a fairly specific example. Is there a general rule for this? Or is it more of a case-by-case decision?



Answer



Both.


Forming the basis of means it is essentially the sole basis.


OTOH,


Forming the basis for could mean it is one of the factors forming the basis.


basis of:



Agriculture is the main occupation, with tobacco and cotton crops forming the basis of much local industry.



basis for:



The company continued to prosper, forming the basis for much of the commercial activity of colonial Canada.



[emphasis mine]


Regardless, it seems there's a tendency these days to prefer for over of, especially in AmE.


English:
enter image description here


American English:
enter image description here


eCFR:



A complaint shall be filed within one year after the date on which the (...) receives a grievance forming the basis of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed more than ten years after the date on which the misconduct forming the basis for the proceeding occurred. [emphasis mine]



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