を元(もと)にBased on, From, According to

When linked to a noun, を元(もと)に is an expression that indicates that something is 'based on (A)', 'from (A)', or 'according to (A)'. This is a combination of を, the noun 元(もと) 'origin', and に. The literal meaning is similar to 'with (A) as the origin, (B)', and is used primarily to reference a source from which something is created or started.

Most of the time, をもとに will be written without kanji, but it is also possible to see it as を元(もと)に.

As this grammar pattern is mainly used to highlight an origin of creation, it will often be seen in sentences that use verbs like 書(か)く 'to write', できる 'to be able', and 作(つく)る 'to make'.

Caution - を元(もと)に 'based on' differs to に基(もと)づいて 'based on', in that に基(もと)づいて indicates a foundation from which the judgement or conclusion of (B) is made, while を元(もと)に focuses more on being a source of inspiration for (B), or enabling (B).

Fun Fact

Although 元(もと)に is perhaps the most common, either 基(もと)に or 下(もと)に may also be used in various circumstances. You can read about the slight variances in nuances online, but for the most part, they are as follows.

基(もと)に - With the root of (A), with a direct link or connection to (A).

元(もと)に - With the beginning or origin of (A).

下(もと)に - At the base of (A).