ground for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ground for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a basis or justification for something, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The defendant had no ground for appealing the decision made by the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Little ground for hope".

The New Yorker

This is ground for celebration.

The New Yorker

Oklahoma has become fertile ground for conservatives.

The Economist

The banlieues are fertile ground for recruitment.

The Economist

This creates fertile ground for fearmongers.

The Economist

Poland is a common ground for us.

Independent

It is all fertile ground for casuistry.

The Economist

Avalos stood his ground for five rounds.

Independent

This offers fertile ground for Islamic fundamentalism.

The Economist

Yet the election gave ground for hope.

The Economist

It would lay the ground for elections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ground for", ensure the context clearly establishes the relationship between the ground (reason) and the subsequent action or belief. Clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ground for" when referring to a physical location. "Ground" in this phrase refers to a reason or justification, not a piece of land.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ground for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces the reason or justification behind a statement, action, or belief. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and widespread applicability, with examples demonstrating its role in providing a basis for various assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ground for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatically sound and widely applicable across numerous contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business publications. To enhance clarity, ensure the connection between the "ground" and its consequence is explicit. Remember that "ground for" refers to reasons, not physical locations. Alternatives include "basis for", "reason for", and "justification for". Overall, "ground for" is a reliable phrase for establishing logical connections in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis for

Replaces "ground" with "basis", emphasizing the underlying foundation or reason.

reason for

Substitutes "ground" with "reason", focusing on the cause or explanation.

justification for

Replaces "ground" with "justification", highlighting the act of proving something to be right or reasonable.

foundation for

Similar to "basis", but emphasizes the structural support or starting point.

rationale for

A more formal synonym for "reason", often used in academic or professional contexts.

excuse for

Implies a less valid or weaker reason, often used to defend a fault or offense.

pretext for

Suggests a deceptive or false reason used to conceal the true purpose.

warrant for

Emphasizes the authorization or legal permission for something.

just cause for

Highlights a morally or legally acceptable reason.

opening for

Indicates an opportunity or a possibility created by a particular situation.

FAQs

What does "ground for" mean?

The phrase "ground for" refers to a reason, justification, or basis for something. It indicates the underlying cause or support for an action, belief, or argument.

What can I say instead of "ground for"?

You can use alternatives like "basis for", "reason for", or "justification for" depending on the context. The goal is to choose the word that best reflects the nuance you want to convey.

Is "ground for" formal or informal?

The phrase "ground for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "rationale for" or "justification for".

How to use "ground for" in a sentence?

Use "ground for" to connect a reason or cause to a consequence or action. For example: "The evidence provided ample "ground for" suspicion" or "His lack of experience was "ground for" concern".