defensible grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defensible grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing justifiable reasons or bases for a particular action or belief. Example: "The committee found that there were defensible grounds for the decision to proceed with the project despite the objections."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And there were sweet and human aspects, but also much, much bickering and legally defensible grounds for divorce or, quite possibly, a bijou gun rampage.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"With the work she is doing laying out a compelling vision of standing up for regular people, building a capable and diverse team, engaging with people on all sides of the issues, it gets harder and harder to see what defensible grounds anyone might find for opposing her confirmation".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

By the late 4th and 5th centuries, Roman fortresses were being built on easily defensible ground with irregular outlines that conformed to the topography; clearly, passive defense had become the dominant design consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Romney is merely saying that he will restore some of what was lost in that fall, he's on defensible ground.

The New Yorker

The Iraq group would have been on defensible ground had it suggested that the U.S., far from protecting an infant democracy from reactionary thugs, had instead been drawn into a round-robin struggle for political power, religious primacy and oil wealth.

The Guardian - Opinion

In July, the division was holding on the "Iron Triangle," strategically important and defensible ground.

Wikipedia

The mountain group west of Masan was the first readily defensible ground east of the Chinju pass.

Wikipedia

Another former Christian said it perfectly: "My exit from Christianity consisted of a series of strategic retreats covering an ever-shrinking patch of defensible ground".

Huffington Post

So, Aristotle supposes, there are defensible teleological grounds for treating animals as essentially capable of perceiving (De Anima ii 3, 414b6 9, 434a30 b4; De Sensu 1, 436b16 17).

SEP

Violent movies, I would argue, are far more easily defensible on moral grounds, as are gangsta rap and first-person shooter video games.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whereas a proposal to break up the banks is perfectly defensible on economic grounds, it could well prove politically toxic to a Democratic Party that, for all its ties to Main Street, remains heavily reliant on Wall Street for financial donations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defensible grounds", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defended and why. Providing specific evidence or reasoning strengthens the justification.

Common error

Avoid using "defensible grounds" without specifying the context or providing supporting details. A vague statement lacks credibility. For example, instead of saying "There are defensible grounds for this action", state "There are "reasonable grounds" for this action, based on the evidence presented in the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defensible grounds" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "defensible" modifies "grounds". According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that there are justifiable reasons or a solid basis for something. This phrase is typically used to provide a rational and supportable explanation for an action, decision, or belief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defensible grounds" is a phrase used to indicate that there are justifiable or valid reasons for a particular action, belief, or argument. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not overly common, it finds its place in contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and scientific discussions. The phrase aims to provide a rational basis for something, highlighting its supportability and robustness. It’s important to use it accurately to avoid overgeneralization or lack of specificity, ensuring that your claims are clearly supported and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defensible arguments

Similar to the original phrase, but specifically refers to arguments.

reasonable grounds

Focuses on the logical and rational aspect of the justification.

valid reasons

Emphasizes the legitimacy and correctness of the reasons.

justifiable basis

Highlights the fairness and acceptability of the foundation or support.

legitimate justifications

Stresses the lawfulness and validity of the reasons.

sound arguments

Implies the reasons are well-supported and logically coherent.

tenable positions

Suggests that the reasons are maintainable and able to withstand scrutiny.

supportable claims

Emphasizes that the assertions are backed by evidence or logic.

well-founded beliefs

Highlights the solid basis and evidence supporting the beliefs.

sustainable rationale

Focuses on the enduring and viable nature of the underlying reasoning.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "defensible grounds"?

You can use alternatives like ""reasonable grounds"", "valid reasons", or "justifiable basis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "defensible grounds" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate that there are justifiable reasons for a particular action or belief. For example: "The lawyer argued that there were "defensible grounds" for his client's actions".

What is the difference between "defensible grounds" and "arguable grounds"?

"Defensible grounds" suggests a stronger justification, implying that the reasons are solid and can withstand scrutiny. "Arguable grounds", on the other hand, indicates that the reasons are open to debate and may not be universally accepted.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "defensible grounds"?

"Defensible grounds" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal, academic, or professional settings, where clear and justifiable reasons are required. It conveys a sense of careful consideration and reasoned judgment.