breeding ground for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breeding ground for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate a place, situation, or environment that facilitates the growth and development of something. For example, "This warm, wet environment was a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Prime breeding ground for Trump supporters.

Vice

This is breeding ground for Islamophobia, it's a breeding ground for anti-Semitism, and it's breeding ground for racism in general.

Vice

The waste piles high, making the neighborhood smell bad and creating a breeding ground for illness.

Huffington Post

As you heat up, this becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.

Huffington Post

Even if these numbers were halved, it still provides a nourishing breeding ground for terrorism.

Huffington Post

The conditions have created an ideal breeding ground for the cholera epidemic.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The camps could become breeding grounds for further violence.

The Economist

Stable societies are breeding grounds for interest groups.

The New York Times

Some monasteries have become breeding grounds for extreme nationalism.

The New York Times

These are the breeding grounds for tigers.

Forbes

Produce warehouses were prime breeding grounds for black-market fortunes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "breeding ground for", consider the connotations. It can imply a negative or undesirable outcome, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. If neutrality is desired, consider "fertile ground for" or "environment conducive to".

Common error

Avoid limiting "breeding ground for" to exclusively negative situations. While often used to describe the development of undesirable things, it can also describe the growth of positive developments. Ensure the context allows it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breeding ground for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a location, environment, or situation that facilitates the development or proliferation of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI confirms the usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breeding ground for" is used to describe a place or situation that encourages the development or growth of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. While the phrase can be used in both positive and negative contexts, it's often associated with undesirable outcomes. Therefore, carefully consider the context to ensure your intended meaning is accurately conveyed. As highlighted by examples, "breeding ground for" appears frequently in "News & Media" sources, followed by "Science". To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, remember this. For alternative phrasing, explore options like "hotbed of" or "fertile ground for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fertile ground for

Suggests conditions are favorable for growth and development, similar to agricultural context.

seedbed of

Similar to fertile ground, emphasizing the initial stages of development.

hotbed of

Implies a place where something, often negative, flourishes intensely and rapidly.

cradle of

Implies a place where something originated or was first developed.

nurturing environment for

Emphasizes care and support provided to encourage growth and development.

environment conducive to

Highlights the surroundings or circumstances that promote a particular outcome.

haven for

Suggests a safe place where something can thrive, often in contrast to a less favorable environment elsewhere.

catalyst for

Focuses on something that triggers or accelerates a process or development.

foundation for

Highlights the role of providing a base or support for something to build upon.

source of

Indicates the origin or starting point from which something arises.

FAQs

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

Use "breeding ground for" to describe a place or situation that encourages the growth or development of something. For instance, "Poverty can be a "breeding ground for" crime".

What are some alternatives to "breeding ground for"?

Depending on the context, you could use "hotbed of", "fertile ground for", or "environment conducive to" as alternatives.

Is "breeding ground for" negative in connotation?

While often used in negative contexts (e.g., "a breeding ground for disease"), it can be neutral. The connotation depends on what is being bred. For example, "the university was a "breeding ground for" innovation" is positive.

What's the difference between "breeding ground for" and "source of"?

"Source of" indicates the origin of something, while "breeding ground for" suggests a place or situation that actively fosters its growth and development. A source might be the initial cause, but the "breeding ground for" facilitates further development.