firm grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm grounds for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a solid basis or justification for a belief, action, or decision. Example: "The lawyer presented firm grounds for the appeal, citing new evidence that could change the outcome of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The model offers firm grounds for prediction and bridges the gap between related clinical and experimental evidence.

Neuropsychologia

The correlation of the Solar Energetic Phenomena with modulations of the Galactic Cosmic Ray flux and direct detection of the high-energy protons and neutrons emitted during Coronal Mass Ejection provide firm grounds for specification and forecasting of the effects of tremendous explosions on the Solar surface.

Advances in Space Research

2010: Upholding a complaint against British anti-terror law allowing police to stop and search people without firm grounds for suspicion.

BBC

With the work of Gödel and Tarski, paradoxical arguments were reshaped into fixed point results, while the semantic conception of truth, the formalization of semantics and the arithmetization of syntax yielded firm grounds for systematic metamathematical investigations.

SEP

In this article, we have studied the valley splitting of the monolayer δ-doped Si P, using a density functional theory model with a plane-wave basis to establish firm grounds for comparison with less computationally intensive localised-basis ab initio methods.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The crises in Iraq, Israel and Ukraine were cited by certain large investors as firm grounds for a severe market crash of up to 60%, others disagreed, contending the market has more room to run up, despite the international situation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

According to Descartes, "customs and habits" do not provide a firm ground for knowledge.

The New York Times

What those lawsuits did not do was establish a firm ground for soccer in the USA.

The Guardian - Sport

This result provides firm ground for the practical use of these estimates, for example for design purposes.

Computational Materials Science

At one point, the authorities dug a hole and buried part of the ruined train, saying they needed firm ground for recovery efforts.

The New Yorker

Later constructs regarding human extensibility in time space, time space distanciation, and time space compression provided a more firm grounding for time space perspectives in theories of structuration, critical science, and capitalism.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firm grounds for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the grounds are supporting. Providing specific details will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "firm grounds for" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overstating the strength of the evidence can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm grounds for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a reason or justification. It typically modifies a noun or verb, providing a basis or rationale for an action, belief, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "firm grounds for" serves as a prepositional phrase used to provide a substantial justification or reason for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct, appearing most frequently in news and scientific contexts. To effectively utilize this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the grounds are supporting and avoid overstating the strength of the evidence. Consider alternatives like "solid justification for" or "strong rationale for" depending on the intended nuance. Overall, "firm grounds for" is an effective phrase for presenting well-supported arguments and decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Solid justification for

Emphasizes the strength and validity of the reason provided.

Strong rationale for

Highlights the logical and well-reasoned basis behind an action or decision.

Sound basis for

Focuses on the reliability and stability of the foundation supporting a claim or action.

Valid reason for

Indicates that the reason provided is legitimate and acceptable.

Good cause for

Suggests that there is a morally or legally acceptable reason for something.

Legitimate basis for

Highlights the lawfulness and acceptability of the foundation supporting a claim.

Justifiable reason for

Emphasizes that there is a sufficient reason for an action that can be defended.

Defensible grounds for

Indicates that the reasons provided can be argued for and upheld.

Substantial support for

Highlights the significant evidence backing a claim or decision.

Compelling justification for

Emphasizes the convincing and persuasive nature of the reasons provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "firm grounds for" to introduce a solid reason or justification. For example, "The new data provided "firm grounds for" reconsidering the initial hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "firm grounds for"?

Alternatives include "solid justification for", "strong rationale for", or "sound basis for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "firm grounds for" or "strong grounds for"?

"Firm grounds for" and "strong grounds for" are largely interchangeable, but "firm" emphasizes stability and reliability, while "strong" highlights impact and persuasiveness. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "firm grounds for" from "reasonable grounds for"?

"Firm grounds for" suggests a higher degree of certainty and evidence, whereas "reasonable grounds for" indicates that there is enough evidence to justify a belief or action, but not necessarily conclusive proof.