firmly grounded

USAGE SUMMARY

"firmly grounded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is strongly based in evidence, or that has a solid foundation. For example, you might say, "His theory is firmly grounded in scientific fact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The general anxiety about the Iranian regime is firmly grounded.

The New Yorker

The movement is firmly grounded in hate, fear, and frustration.

The New Yorker

SB 822 is firmly grounded in the law.

Stanford University

No apples versus oranges here: the comparison is firmly grounded.

Harvard Business Review

No doubt such features of Paleolithic life are firmly grounded.

The New York Times - Books

Chabon achieved vertiginous success early in his writing career, but he has remained firmly grounded.

Independent

And they're firmly grounded in the local, seasonal spirit of the day.

The New York Times - Travel

This bit of senatorial advice is firmly grounded in the history and language of the Constitution.

The New Yorker

"Newly gained freedoms are, for the most part, neither extensive nor firmly grounded," the report concludes.

The Economist

But even when M. Boulud's food reaches for never-never land, it remains firmly grounded.

The New Yorker

Ms. Cremin makes a lovely and charming but sensible, firmly grounded Candida.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firmly grounded", ensure that the object it describes has a tangible or demonstrable basis. For example, a theory should be "firmly grounded" in evidence, or a tradition "firmly grounded" in history.

Common error

Avoid using "firmly grounded" to describe overly abstract concepts that lack a clear foundation. For example, avoid saying "his hopes were firmly grounded" unless you specify what those hopes are based on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firmly grounded" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun or noun phrase, indicating that the subject is securely based on a solid foundation. As Ludwig AI explains, this foundation can be evidence, principles, or reality. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firmly grounded" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates a strong and reliable foundation. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is appropriate for formal and informal contexts, especially when emphasizing that an idea, theory, or practice is well-supported by evidence or principles. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources underscores its versatility and importance in conveying credibility and stability. When writing, it is important to ensure that the subject has a concrete basis and consider alternatives such as "solidly based" or "well-founded" to achieve the most suitable emphasis. The writing advice presented encourages precise application of the term to avoid overuse in vague contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-grounded

Highlights practical and realistic aspect.

firmly rooted

Similar to 'deeply rooted' but can also imply a connection to tradition or origin.

solidly based

Focuses on the foundation or basis upon which something is built, implying stability and reliability.

deeply rooted

Emphasizes the extent to which something is ingrained or established, suggesting a long-lasting presence.

well-founded

Highlights the existence of good reasons or evidence to support something, suggesting credibility and justification.

securely established

Indicates that something has been firmly set in place and is unlikely to be easily dislodged.

built on a solid foundation

Uses a more figurative language to convey that something is built with secure base.

substantially supported

Highlights the factual or logical support for something.

soundly constructed

Emphasizes the careful and robust building or development of something.

reliably proven

Emphasizes that something is proven through testing or repeated observations.

FAQs

How can I use "firmly grounded" in a sentence?

You can use "firmly grounded" to describe something that is strongly based on evidence or has a solid foundation. For example: "The research is firmly grounded in empirical data."

What are some alternatives to "firmly grounded"?

You can use alternatives like "solidly based", "deeply rooted", or "well-founded" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "firmly grounded in" or "firmly based on"?

Both "firmly grounded in" and "firmly based on" are correct, but "firmly grounded in" often implies a more fundamental or inherent connection, while "firmly based on" suggests a reliance on something external. Choose the phrasing that best fits the specific relationship you want to describe.

What does it mean when something is described as "firmly grounded"?

When something is described as "firmly grounded", it means that it is securely based on a solid foundation, whether that be evidence, principles, or experience. It suggests stability, reliability, and a strong connection to its source.