clarify the grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify the grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain the basis or reasons for a particular argument or decision. Example: "Before we proceed with the discussion, could you clarify the grounds for your proposal?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than overturning the court's June decision in the new case, which involves two Virginia cocaine trafficking convictions, the justices may simply clarify the ground rules for when and how analysts' testimony must be presented.

The New York Times

The security bills aim to clarify the ground rules for responding to an attack on Japan, including in situations when an attack is thought to be imminent but has not actually occurred.

The Economist

And the 2007 Lords' ruling that has clarified the grounds for the EHRC's current case was over a complaint by a Pakistani man upheld by their lordships against the Labour Party.

The Economist

Mr. Obama signed an executive order codifying many of the proposals, most of which clarified the ground rules for religious organizations seeking government aid for social services, late in 2010.

The New York Times

Although the effectiveness of iterative risk management is viewed with "high confidence and robustness" globally, a useful first step in supporting its progress in developing countries is to clarify the on-the-ground reality that shapes the context for disaster risk management.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

A resolution was introduced to declare McCreery the duly elected representative from Baltimore, and an amendment was added to clarify that the grounds upon which the resolution was based were that McCreery had not abandoned his Baltimore home.

Wikipedia

The digital signature business was really opened up during the turn of the century with that passing of the UETA and ESIGN acts, which clarified the legal grounds for electronic signatures nationwide.

TechCrunch

The whole digital signature business was really opened up during the turn of the century with that passing of the UETA and ESIGN acts, which clarified the legal grounds for electronic signatures nationwide.

TechCrunch

Then, theoretical consideration is to clarify the Shinkansen-train induced ground vibrations from a viaduct.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Genetic characterization of these H6 isolates will help determine whether these isolates are related and help clarify the role of waterfowl wintering grounds in the transmission and perpetuation of AIVs in nature.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

We analyzed seismic waveforms of moderate to large shallow earthquakes recorded in the Kanto Basin, Japan, to clarify the characteristics of long-period ground motions in deep sedimentary basins.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify the grounds", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be explained. Providing specific questions or areas of uncertainty can help focus the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify the grounds" when a simple definition or summary is sufficient. This phrase implies a need for detailed reasoning, not just basic information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify the grounds" functions as a request for explanation or justification. It prompts someone to provide a clear and detailed account of the reasons or basis for a decision, action, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used in contexts where a deeper understanding is needed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clarify the grounds" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that asks for detailed reasoning or justification. While Ludwig AI confirms it as valid, it's relatively rare, appearing most frequently in news and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants a thorough explanation rather than a simple definition. Alternatives like "explain the rationale" or "elucidate the basis" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Given the information Ludwig provides, the phrase is best suited for formal or neutral communication where transparency and a deep understanding are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain the rationale

Focuses on providing a detailed explanation of the underlying reasoning.

justify the reasons

Emphasizes providing a defense or justification for the stated reasons.

elucidate the basis

Highlights making the fundamental principles or foundation clearer.

specify the justification

Directs attention to clearly stating the reasons why something is considered valid.

detail the reasoning

Stresses providing a comprehensive account of the thought process.

spell out the grounds

Emphasizes the explicit and thorough explanation of the reasons.

define the justification

Focuses on setting out the exact meaning of why something is right or reasonable.

uncover the rationale

Emphasizes discovering or revealing the hidden reasoning behind something.

break down the reasons

Highlights the process of analyzing and simplifying the reasons for better understanding.

outline the justification

Stresses giving a summary of the reasons for something.

FAQs

What does "clarify the grounds" mean?

The phrase "clarify the grounds" means to explain or provide a detailed understanding of the reasons, basis, or justification for a particular decision, argument, or action.

How can I use "clarify the grounds" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify the grounds" when you want someone to elaborate on the reasons behind something. For example, "Could you please clarify the grounds for rejecting this proposal?"

What are some alternatives to "clarify the grounds"?

Alternatives to "clarify the grounds" include "explain the rationale", "justify the reasons", or "elucidate the basis".

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "clarify the grounds"?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "clarify the grounds" when you need a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind a decision, especially when the reasons are not immediately obvious or seem questionable.