bogus grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bogus grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to false or invalid reasons for an action or decision. Example: "The committee dismissed the proposal on bogus grounds, claiming it lacked sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The NUM estimates at least six in 10 of the 11,000 miners arrested during the strike were apprehended on "bogus" grounds.

The Guardian

It was the example of Kosovo that President Vladimir Putin of Russia used as an excuse to invade Georgia, on the bogus grounds that Russian forces were somehow protecting the "independence" of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The Guardian - Opinion

You owe this president no respect or allegiance, the white racists were thereby assured on such bogus grounds.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 2007, it ruled against Lilly Ledbetter, the Goodyear manager who was underpaid for years, on the bogus ground that she filed her discrimination complaint too late.

The New York Times

But if the PTO doesn't aggressively screen the patents on those grounds, bogus patents get through the system.

Forbes

Lawyers for the two men said the government's fruitless battle was an example of bogus terrorism charges made on the ground of guilt by association.

The New York Times

President John Steele of the OST is not only on unstable ground for encouraging this bogus holiday, but his logic flies in the face of reality.

Huffington Post

It's fertile ground for demagogues who offer glib, bogus answers and, boy, do they plough it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The IRGC has been in charge of recruiting, training, arming and financing proxy groups to join the ground fight in Syria and Iraq, under the bogus pretext of fighting Daesh.

Forbes

The convention provides trafficking victims with a 30-day reflection period, which the government has so far resisted on the grounds that it could be abused by bogus asylum claimants.

The Guardian

The hooded guy, who looks like the Grim Reaper from Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, was photographed through the blinds of a ground-floor apartment window as he reportedly lurked near the apartment complex's playground.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bogus grounds", ensure that you provide context or evidence to demonstrate why the grounds are indeed false or misleading. Simply stating that something is based on "bogus grounds" without further explanation can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "bogus grounds" as a conclusory statement without providing any supporting evidence or reasoning. This can make your argument seem unsubstantiated and biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bogus grounds" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. Ludwig confirms its usability, indicating that it's a valid expression to describe false or invalid reasons. Examples show its usage in contexts where claims or actions are being challenged for their lack of authenticity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bogus grounds" is a valid and usable expression to describe false or invalid reasons. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is often used to express skepticism or disapproval regarding a claim or justification. Although not very common, its usage spans across News & Media, Academia and Science, suggesting a neutral register. When employing "bogus grounds", be sure to provide context and demonstrate the falsity of the claim to strengthen your argument. Be wary of overusing the phrase without justification, as this can weaken your stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false pretenses

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the justification.

unfounded claims

Highlights the lack of a solid basis for the assertions.

specious arguments

Emphasizes the seemingly plausible but ultimately flawed reasoning.

flimsy excuses

Suggests the reasons are weak and easily dismissed.

trumped-up charges

Indicates that the grounds have been fabricated or exaggerated.

contrived reasons

Highlights the artificial and deliberate nature of the justification.

fabricated justification

Stresses that the reasons were invented or faked.

dishonest rationales

Focuses on the lack of honesty in the provided reasons.

deceptive pretexts

Emphasizes the intent to mislead with the stated reasons.

insincere explanations

Suggests the reasons given are not genuinely believed or meant.

FAQs

How can I use "bogus grounds" in a sentence?

You can use "bogus grounds" to describe reasons or justifications that are false or invalid. For example: "The company dismissed the employee's complaint on "bogus grounds", claiming a lack of evidence when evidence was clearly present."

What are some alternatives to saying "bogus grounds"?

Alternatives include phrases like "false pretenses", "unfounded claims", or "specious arguments". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as based on "bogus grounds"?

Yes, describing something as based on "bogus grounds" is inherently negative. It implies deception or a lack of legitimate justification.

What's the difference between "bogus grounds" and "weak arguments"?

"Bogus grounds" implies that the reasons are deliberately false or misleading, while "weak arguments" simply suggests that the reasons are unconvincing or lack sufficient support. The former indicates intent to deceive, while the latter may simply reflect poor reasoning or incomplete information.