constitutes grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitutes grounds for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something serves as a basis or justification for a particular action or decision. Example: "The evidence presented in court constitutes grounds for a retrial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"President Jacob Zuma's action amounts to a serious violation of the constitution, and constitutes grounds for impeachment," he said.

The Guardian

He added, "The Constitution is very clear as to what constitutes grounds for impeachment of the president of the United States.

Huffington Post

"Yet it is difficult to conclude that the letter constitutes grounds for sanctions".

The New York Times

In its order, the appeals court said that Mr. Walsh's affidavit will now be sent back to Federal District Court in Brooklyn, where the trial judge, Eugene H. Nickerson, will determine whether it constitutes grounds for a new trial.

The New York Times

But I don't know that the occasional high rabbit constitutes grounds for keeping marijuana prohibition in place, any more than drunk squirrels are an argument for outlawing alcohol.

Huffington Post

The Brookers, according to the appeals court, claimed that the removal of Mitchem "constitutes grounds for a new trial because he was impermissibly kept from the jury on the basis of 'sexual orientation.'".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But it did not constitute grounds for revoking Mr. Madoff's bail, he argued.

The New York Times

The applicable law provides that bias or partiality, or even the appearance thereof, constitute grounds for vacating an arbitration award.

The New York Times

The Electoral Commission said medical emergencies and being unexpectedly away for work may constitute grounds for emergency proxy, but applications must be made by 5pm.

The Guardian

If it turns up evidence indicating an applicant's innocence that was available at the original trial, for instance, it may not constitute grounds for a referral.

The Guardian

When such acts are committed by the President of the United States, we believe those acts may constitute grounds for an impeachment".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constitutes grounds for" in formal writing, especially when discussing legal, ethical, or procedural justifications. It adds a layer of authority and precision to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "constitutes grounds for" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is a reason for" or "justifies" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitutes grounds for" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a causal relationship between a situation or action and its justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It connects a cause (the action) with its effect (the justification or reason).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitutes grounds for" serves as a formal linguistic tool to establish a clear justification or basis for a decision or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it denotes a serious and well-reasoned connection between cause and effect. While the phrase is valuable for its precision in formal settings, alternatives like "provides a basis for" or "justifies" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. Be sure to avoid overuse of "constitutes grounds for" when less formal expressions will suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides a basis for

Replaces "constitutes" with "provides", focusing on the act of furnishing a foundation rather than forming it.

serves as justification for

Emphasizes the act of legitimizing or defending an action or decision.

establishes a reason for

Highlights the creation of a rationale or motive.

forms the foundation for

Stresses the role of creating an underlying structure or support.

gives rise to

Focuses on the causal aspect, where something leads to a specific outcome.

amounts to a reason for

Indicates that something is equivalent to a valid reason.

warrants

A more concise term indicating sufficient reason or justification.

justifies

Directly states that something makes an action or decision right or reasonable.

legitimizes

Highlights the act of making something lawful or acceptable.

substantiates

Indicates that something provides evidence to support a claim or action.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to indicate that something provides a justification or basis for a particular action or decision. For example, "The presented evidence constitutes grounds for a retrial."

What are some alternatives to "constitutes grounds for"?

You can use alternatives like "provides a basis for", "serves as justification for", or "establishes a reason for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "constitutes grounds for" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "constitutes grounds for" is more suitable for formal or legal contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "is a reason for" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "constitutes grounds for" and "represents grounds for"?

"Constitutes grounds for" implies that something directly forms the basis, while "represents grounds for" suggests it indicates or symbolizes the basis. The former is a stronger, more direct connection.