ask for a ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for a ground" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to requesting a basis or justification for something, but the expression is unclear without additional context. Example: "If you have concerns about the decision, you should ask for a ground to understand the reasoning behind it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yemen's exiled government has written to the UN security council to ask for a ground intervention to halt the advance of their rivals, the Houthi rebels.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Housing Authority has remodeled thousands of apartments for disabled residents, and Ms. Brooks has also asked for a ground-level apartment, but there is a long wait, she said.

The New York Times

If there is no metaphysical necessity that governs human practices, why should we even ask for a methodological grounding, when language has neither required nor functioned with such a license?

SEP

Some go so far as to conclude that it is therefore absurd to ask for any ground of the duty to obey the law: law is that which is to be obeyed (McPherson 1967, 64).

SEP

To really see how well the Tundra can handle rugged terrain, we couldn't ask for a better proving ground.

Forbes

When you make your reservations, ask for a room on the ground floor or close to it.

WikiHow

Be sure to ask for a table in the ground-floor sala with its painted ceilings and armoires lined with wine bottles.

The New York Times - Travel

If it's pointed out to you that goods have faults and you choose to buy them at the sale price, you can't ask for a refund on the grounds they're less than perfect.

Independent

At the same time, Mr. Kerry said, if commanders on the ground ask for a troop increase, "you'd have to respond to what the commanders asked for".

The New York Times

CARE and other humanitarian agencies on the ground ask for a similar level of commitment and mobilisation to meet the urgent humanitarian needs as well.

Huffington Post

Seldom, though, are western aid agencies accused of providing the funding for human rights abuses.Yet on July 14th a British court ruled that an Ethiopian man had legal grounds to ask for a judicial review of Britain's development assistance to Ethiopia after he alleged it had led to human rights abuses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of "ask for a ground", use more precise language like "request justification" or "seek clarification" to ensure clarity.

Common error

The word "ground" typically refers to a physical surface or a basis/reason. Avoid using it when seeking explanations or justifications, as this can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for a ground" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and does not have a clear, established function in English. As Ludwig AI explains, it's better to use alternatives such as request a basis or seek justification.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for a ground" is not a standard or grammatically correct expression in English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's more appropriate to use phrases like "request justification" or "seek clarification" to convey the intended meaning of requesting a reason or basis for something. While the search results show some instances of the phrase, it's essential to prioritize clarity and precision in communication by using more established and understandable alternatives. Choosing the right alternative ensures your message is accurately conveyed and avoids potential confusion. Remember context and formality are key when choosing the most effective substitute for this uncommon phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for the rationale

Directly requests the reasoning behind a decision or action.

request the underlying reason

Asks for the fundamental cause or motive.

request justification

Focuses on seeking a valid reason or explanation.

inquire about the basis

Focuses on questioning the foundation or principle something is based on.

ask for evidence

Requests concrete proof or supporting information.

demand an explanation

Emphasizes a forceful request for clarification.

seek clarification

Highlights the act of trying to understand something better.

seek validation for

Focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy of something.

press for details

Emphasizes the act of pushing for more specific information.

demand accountability

Focuses on holding someone responsible for their actions or decisions.

FAQs

What is the correct way to ask for an explanation or justification?

Instead of using the unclear phrase "ask for a ground", you should use alternatives such as "request justification", "seek clarification", or "demand an explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "ground" in a request?

The word "ground" is more appropriately used when referring to physical locations or areas, such as "request a room on the ground floor". Using it to mean "reason" or "justification" is uncommon and often incorrect.

What can I say instead of "ask for a ground" to sound more professional?

In a professional setting, use phrases like "inquire about the basis", "ask for the rationale", or "request the underlying reason" to clearly and effectively communicate your need for explanation.

What is the difference between "ask for a ground" and "ask for the grounds"?

"Ask for a ground" is generally incorrect. "Ask for the grounds" is a more appropriate expression, but still may not be clear and depending on the context can be a formal way of asking for the reasons or justification.