certain ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific or established areas of agreement, understanding, or knowledge in a discussion or argument. Example: "We need to find certain ground before we can proceed with the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It's a landscape with no certain ground.

Independent

Not surprisingly, he was on less certain ground over immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both would set certain ground rules, like insisting that insurers cover everyone, regardless of medical status.

The New York Times - Health

In order to take advantage of the exception, libraries and archives must follow certain ground rules.

Stanford University

I conjecture but upon no certain ground, that Mr. Jay is the author of it.

Columbia University

This aspect of damages, however, stands on less certain ground than does an award for pecuniary damages.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

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

§ 1212.7 Waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility.

Cornell University

"Churches were set up on certain grounds.

The Guardian

Certain grounds for eviction apply specifically to rent-regulated apartments.

The New York Times

Distrust of stench won the day – for there was no doubting the awful aroma that arose from certain grounds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain ground", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the ground "certain". Provide specific details or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "certain ground" without providing context or specific information. If the certainty isn't apparent, the phrase can sound vague or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "ground". It often identifies a specific, established, or reliable basis for an argument, action, or belief. Ludwig AI suggests it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain ground" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that functions as a noun phrase, signifying a specific and well-established basis or area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. Its primary communicative purpose involves establishing assurance and providing a reliable foundation for discussion or action. While "certain ground" appears across various contexts, it frequently occurs in news, academic, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the nature of the "certainty" to avoid vagueness. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "precise ground", "definite ground", or "established foundation" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definite ground

Uses "definite" instead of "certain", highlighting clarity and lack of ambiguity.

precise ground

Replaces "certain" with "precise", emphasizing accuracy and specificity.

particular ground

Replaces "certain" with "particular", stressing a specific or distinct area.

specific basis

Changes "ground" to "basis" and "certain" to "specific", focusing on a particular foundation or reason.

confident ground

Substitutes "certain" with "confident", focusing on assurance and conviction.

established foundation

Replaces "certain ground" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a firm base.

assured footing

Emphasizes stability and security by using "assured footing" instead of "certain ground".

solid justification

Shifts the focus to the reasoning behind something, replacing "ground" with "justification".

unquestionable basis

Indicates a foundation that is beyond doubt by using "unquestionable basis".

irrefutable argument

Focuses on the strength and validity of a claim, replacing "ground" with "argument".

FAQs

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

You can use "certain ground" to refer to a specific or established area of agreement or knowledge. For example, "We need to find "common ground" before we can proceed with the negotiations."

What's a more formal alternative to "certain ground"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "established foundation" or "unquestionable basis" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

When is it appropriate to use "certain ground" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "certain ground" when you want to emphasize a specific area of agreement, knowledge, or fact that is well-established and understood by all parties involved. Ensure clarity by providing context.

What's the difference between "certain ground" and ""common ground""?

"Certain ground" refers to a specific, established foundation or area, while ""common ground"" refers to shared beliefs, understandings, or interests between different parties. "Certain ground" emphasizes assurance and specificity, whereas ""common ground"" highlights areas of agreement.