Grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Grounds" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is typically used to refer to the basis or reason for something, such as in arguments or justifications. Example: "The committee dismissed the proposal on the grounds that it lacked sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An Oxford University spokesperson said: "The university is robustly defending this application on all grounds and Ms Ramey's application has already been refused permission on the papers.

The Guardian

The news came as a surprise to nationalist colleagues, although Mr Mallon is a year older than Mr Hume, who is retiring on health grounds.

The Guardian

Nick Clegg, who has been briefed by the prime minister on the speech, will reject Cameron's pledge to hold a referendum by 2017 on the grounds that it is wrong to commit Britain to such a specific timetable when there is uncertainty over whether negotiations will take place.

The Guardian

"In connection with the completion of the routine springtime training phase for troops that involved their deployment to training grounds in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, among others, the president of Russia gave the command to the defence minister to return the troops taking part in the exercises to their home bases," the Kremlin said.

The Guardian

His production of Ben Jonson's The Devil Is an Ass applied the knife to yards of text, and his West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the children's classic Peter Pan was so dark and grim that one set of parents threatened to sue on the grounds that their child had been traumatised.

The Guardian

Five police officers and a press photographer have been injured after a riot erupted in the grounds of Belfast city hall following a council vote to cut the number of days the Union flag will be flown there.

The Guardian

But I had no reason to think specifically that there were any grounds that the prime minister would want to part company with me".

The Guardian

This meant that talent both behind the camera and in front of the camera were able to learn their craft, which in turn led to shows such as The Cosby Show being made for primetime audiences, which in turn proved to be training grounds for the next generation of talent".

The Guardian

Before you self-prescribe anything, you should know that even doctors are strongly discouraged from doing so by the General Medical Council, on the grounds that an objective person should make a better prescribing decision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The capital's burgeoning population, upon their decease, were filling up its small churchyards, burial grounds and vaults.

The Guardian

The overall argument in Gatherings was that concentrated graveyard gases caused instant death in man and beast; foul-smelling grounds, constantly releasing more diffused miasma, did not produce sudden death – but they debilitated those living nearby, according to their level of exposure and individual resistance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Grounds" to mean 'reasons', ensure the context clearly indicates the justification or basis for a decision or action. For example, "The appeal was rejected on the grounds that it lacked sufficient evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "grounds" when you intend to refer to a single reason or basis. Use "ground" in singular contexts. For example, "There is ground for optimism", not "There are grounds for optimism" (when only one reason exists).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Grounds" is as a plural noun. It can refer to multiple reasons or justifications for something, as seen in the Ludwig examples, or to the land surrounding a building.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Grounds" functions primarily as a plural noun with two main meanings: reasons or justifications, and the land surrounding a building. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "Grounds", pay attention to whether you are referring to multiple reasons (plural) or a single reason (singular, use "ground"). Remember that "Grounds" often implies a more formal basis than a simple "reason". Overall, as Ludwig confirms, "Grounds" is a versatile and widely used term in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reasons

Direct synonym focusing on the justification or cause.

Justifications

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable.

Basis

Refers to the foundation or support for an argument or belief.

Underlying reasons

Highlights the fundamental causes or motivations.

Justifying factors

Focuses on the elements that make something permissible or defensible.

Motivations

Explores the driving forces behind actions or decisions.

Rationale

Formal term for the set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief.

Premises

Focuses on the foundational statements or assumptions that support a conclusion.

Land

Refers to the physical territory or property, less about abstract reasons.

Property

Similar to land but emphasizes ownership and boundaries.

FAQs

How do I use "Grounds" in a sentence?

"Grounds" can refer to reasons or justifications, as in "The company dismissed the employee on the grounds of misconduct." It can also refer to the land surrounding a building, as in "The event was held on the castle grounds."

What's the difference between "Grounds" and "Reasons"?

While both relate to justifications, "grounds" often implies a more formal or legalistic basis. "Reasons" is more general and can apply to everyday explanations. You might say "They had their reasons", but in a legal context, you'd likely use "grounds".

What can I say instead of "on the grounds that"?

You can use alternatives like "because", "since", or "on the basis that" depending on the context.

When should I use "ground" versus "grounds"?

Use "ground" when referring to a single reason or area of land. Use "grounds" when referring to multiple reasons or the collective land surrounding a building. For example: "The decision was based on one ground" versus "The decision was based on several grounds."