breeding ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"breeding ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a place or situation where something is likely to develop or emerge. For example, "The wet, nutrient-rich soil near the river created a perfect breeding ground for new plant species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A breeding ground of anxiety and temptation.

The New Yorker

New York, that breeding ground of idiosyncrasy, has become crowd-sourced.

The New York Times

"Nothing has been done about the breeding ground of extremism.

The New York Times

Has holy city become jihadist breeding ground?

BBC

Caretaking is the breeding ground of resentment.

Huffington Post

Prime breeding ground for Trump supporters.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Cruise ships are breeding grounds.

The New York Times

College campuses are breeding grounds.

The New York Times

Schools have rightly been pinpointed as breeding grounds of infection.

The Guardian

The rains have created breeding grounds far and wide.

The New York Times

They have become breeding grounds for pests and mosquitoes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breeding ground" to describe environments, both literal and figurative, where specific things thrive or originate. For example, a swamp is a "breeding ground" for mosquitoes, while a university can be a "breeding ground" for new ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "breeding ground" solely for negative contexts. While it's often used to describe the origin of undesirable things like diseases or extremism, it can also apply to positive developments. Don't limit the phrase to only describe the negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breeding ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a location or situation that fosters the development or proliferation of something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breeding ground" is a common and versatile noun phrase used to describe a place or situation that facilitates the development or propagation of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and academic writing. While often used negatively to describe the origin of undesirable things, it can also apply to positive developments. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal discourse. Remember to consider the figurative use of "breeding ground" and avoid limiting it solely to negative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hotbed

Focuses on intense activity or rapid growth.

cradle

Implies nurturing and early development.

nursery

Suggests a place for rearing and development, often used for young organisms or plants.

seedbed

Emphasizes the initial stages of growth and potential.

incubator

Implies a controlled environment that promotes growth.

source

Highlights the origin or starting point.

fostering environment

Focuses on the supportive conditions for development.

place of origin

Directly indicates where something begins.

center of development

Emphasizes the core location where growth occurs.

fertile ground

Highlights the richness and capacity for growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "breeding ground" to describe a place or situation where something develops easily. For example, "The internet can be a "breeding ground" for misinformation".

What phrases are similar to "breeding ground"?

Similar phrases include "hotbed", "cradle", and "nursery". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "breeding ground" always used negatively?

No, while often used for negative things like disease or extremism, "breeding ground" can describe where positive developments originate as well. A university, for example, can be described as a "breeding ground" for new ideas.

What is the difference between "breeding ground" and "fertile ground"?

"Breeding ground" emphasizes the active development or propagation of something, while "fertile ground" stresses the potential and favorable conditions for growth. "Breeding ground" can apply to both positive and negative things, while "fertile ground" usually implies something positive.