clear grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear grounds for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a basis or justification for a decision, action, or belief. Example: "The committee found clear grounds for dismissing the appeal based on the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

These are clear grounds for a judicial inquiry.

The Guardian

The stalemate is doubly painful because there are clear grounds for compromise.

The New York Times

Although both had clear grounds for gross negligence the authorities never considered manslaughter charges.

The Guardian - Sport

The bill makes essential updates to Title 8 United States Code Section 1481, which has seven very clear grounds for which American citizens can lose their citizenship.

The New York Times

The show does not make a convincing case for Ms. Tse as an artist, but it does not provide clear grounds for dismissal either.

The New York Times

Everybody says, of course, that there were clear grounds for all of these decisions in competition law; but everybody knows that a different man might have got different treatment.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

According to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, 70% of these fires were lit by landowners wanting to clear ground for more plantations.

The Guardian

Every year, landowners start fires to clear ground for farming, but last year a seasonal drought spread the blazes with catastrophic effect.

The Guardian

In the present case, not only does the argument submitted in behalf of appellant fail to show clear ground for disturbing the concurring findings of the two courts, but it raises no reasonable doubt of their correctness.

Cornell University

There is no clear-cut ground for the definition of equivalence.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

For it there are practically no clear grounds, neither for its actual occurrence, nor for its real collectability by the bank.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear grounds for" when you want to emphasize that the reasons or justifications are not ambiguous or questionable. It adds a sense of validity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid replacing "clear grounds for" with overly general phrases like "reasons for" when specificity is needed. "Clear grounds for" conveys a stronger sense of justification and validity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear grounds for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the basis or justification for an action, decision, or belief. It indicates that there are unambiguous and justifiable reasons supporting a particular course of action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear grounds for" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce well-justified reasons for an action, decision, or belief. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both neutral and formal writing. While sources like The Guardian and The New York Times commonly use it, the phrase also appears in academic and scientific contexts. When using "clear grounds for", ensure that the reasons you provide are indeed unambiguous and defensible. Alternatives like "valid reasons for" and "justifiable basis for" can be used, but remember that "clear grounds for" often implies a stronger level of justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reasons for

Emphasizes the legitimacy and justification behind the reasons.

justifiable basis for

Highlights the defensible nature of the foundation or reason.

legitimate cause for

Focuses on the lawfulness and acceptability of the reason.

substantial justification for

Indicates a significant and weighty rationale.

sound foundation for

Suggests a reliable and robust basis.

reasonable rationale for

Highlights the logical and rational aspect of the reasoning.

adequate justification for

Focuses on whether the explanation or excuse is sufficient.

cogent argument for

Emphasizes the persuasiveness and clarity of the presented argument.

firm basis for

Suggests a strong and unyielding foundation.

well-founded reasons for

Highlights that the reasons are based on solid evidence or logic.

FAQs

How can I use "clear grounds for" in a sentence?

You can use "clear grounds for" to introduce a reason or justification that is well-supported by evidence. For instance, "The investigation provided "clear grounds for" dismissing the employee."

What are some alternatives to "clear grounds for"?

Alternatives include "valid reasons for", "justifiable basis for", or "legitimate cause for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "clear grounds for" or "good reasons for"?

"Clear grounds for" is more emphatic and suggests a higher level of justification compared to the more general phrase "good reasons for". Choose the phrase that best matches the strength of the justification you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "clear grounds for" in formal writing?

"Clear grounds for" is suitable in formal writing when you need to present well-substantiated reasons or justifications, such as in legal documents, academic papers, or official reports.