a certain ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific basis or reason for something, often in a more abstract or philosophical context. Example: "The decision was made on a certain ground that was not immediately apparent to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The researchers studied a variety of possibilities, some involving hypothetical earthquakes in a range of magnitudes at a specific location, others based on the probability of a certain ground motion occurring within a specified period of time.

The New York Times

Furthermore, energy use for keeping a certain ground speed increases with current velocity and optimal ground speed changes with increasing current velocity (Fig. 2).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We get to see the Earth in high definition every day with our high-def eyes, it's true, but we're limited to a certain ground-level point of view.

TechCrunch

In order to measure whether the seeds are correctly located, we measure the potential recall (rec seed ); we assume that if at least a single seed is positioned inside a certain ground-truth skin region, then the whole region is correctly classified as skin.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If an EGS operator or regulatory authority does not want to accept such chances then network densities of 50 100 instruments per km2 are required and even in this case the exceedance/non-exceedance of a certain ground-motion threshold cannot be completely constrained.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

However, Adams complimented the character of Pam, noting that "she's also the embodiment of a certain grounded, de-glamorized look and tone these early episodes sold well before subsequent seasons dropped them along with the most obvious concessions to the 'workplace documentary' conceit".

Wikipedia

Any incremental increase that a child or a horse has through the intervention of clever thinking, a very good rider that's got on with the horse, or a trainer that's cleverly decided on an undulating track or certain ground, it all keeps adding to the pot, particularly with the Queen's incredible memory for horses and issues.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a landscape with no certain ground.

Independent

In response to such actions the party secretaries of the largest political parties held a meeting to discuss certain ground rules for the rest of the campaign, however the True Finns Ossi Sandvikk could not make it.

Wikipedia

Legal analysts say that tough questioning can indicate that a justice wants to be on certain ground when ruling in favour of a position, as well as indicating hostility to it.

The Guardian

Pivotal for the attribution of a hunter to a certain hunting ground was the location of the meeting he was attending assuming that this may reflect his or her preference for a certain region.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain ground", ensure the context makes it clear what the basis or reason is. If the ground is not apparent, provide clarifying information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain ground" in contexts where the reason is completely obscure or undefined. If the rationale remains unclear after using the phrase, the writing may appear evasive or lacking in substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain ground" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "on a certain ground") or as a subject complement. This phrase indicates a specific but possibly unspecified reason, justification, or basis for an action, belief, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, demonstrating its role in expressing underlying reasons.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain ground" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that alludes to a specific but potentially unstated reason or basis, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is rare, it's versatile enough for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide sufficient context or explanation when using the phrase. Alternatives such as "a specific basis" or "a particular reason" may offer more precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific basis

Focuses on the particular reason or justification, emphasizing precision.

a particular reason

Highlights a distinct reason, suggesting it's one among many possibilities.

a definite rationale

Emphasizes a clear and well-defined justification.

a precise foundation

Highlights exactness, moving away from the less precise meaning of "ground".

a solid justification

Emphasizes the strength and validity of the reason.

a sound argument

Focuses on the reasoning behind a claim or decision.

a valid explanation

Highlights the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

a convincing motive

Emphasizes the persuasiveness of the underlying reason.

a clear pretext

Highlights a stated reason that may conceal the real one.

a demonstrable principle

Emphasizes its role as a rule of action, or conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain ground" in a sentence?

Use "a certain ground" to refer to a specific, though perhaps not explicitly stated, reason or basis for something. For example, "The decision was made on "a certain ground" that was not immediately apparent."

What's a good substitute for "a certain ground"?

Alternatives include "a specific basis", "a particular reason", or "a definite rationale" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain ground"?

While "a certain ground" can be useful to indicate an unspecified reason, providing a more "specific basis" usually enhances clarity and strengthens the argument.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain ground"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that there's a reason or basis without needing to explicitly state it, often because it's implied or confidential. However, avoid overuse to prevent ambiguity.