ground on which

USAGE SUMMARY

"ground on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used in legal and political contexts. For example, "The new law affects the ground on which the previous agreement was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Miliband has not one single square inch of moral high ground on which to perch.

The New York Times

Andrews sees "'common ground' not as suspect compromise, but as 'sacred ground' on which [they] can stand and speak to one another".

Huffington Post

The common ground on which he wants Christians and Muslims to meet is one based on justice, love, and peace.

Huffington Post

The ground on which we walk has been altered.

The New York Times

And it contrasts the ground on which they move with the space above it.

The New York Times

That is poor ground on which to build a case for quitting the euro.

The Economist

The ground on which Phoenix landed is icy, and is also rich in salts called perchlorates.

The Economist

He intends to pick the ground on which he fights it.

The Economist

If so, Ivanpah will be the ground on which it makes its case.

The Economist

This is the ground on which active citizens, and full humans, can be developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without fishing, these unique cultures lose their root system, the very ground on which they stand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ground on which", ensure the noun it modifies clearly indicates the specific basis, reason, or foundation being referred to. For example, "the solid ground on which the argument rests" provides clarity.

Common error

Ensure that the "ground" is clearly defined and not left ambiguous. Instead of saying "there's ground on which to proceed", specify "there's common ground on which to proceed with negotiations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ground on which" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and specifying the basis, reason, or foundation for something. Ludwig shows various examples, supporting this explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ground on which" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly employed to indicate a basis, reason, or foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency is "very common", especially in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, which reflects its utility in formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, prioritize clear articulation of what the ground refers to, and avoid being vague. Consider alternatives like "basis upon which" or "foundation on which" to add variety to your writing. Ultimately, mastering the use of "ground on which" enhances precision and clarity in expressing logical connections in diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis upon which

Replaces "ground" with "basis", emphasizing the foundational aspect but maintains the prepositional structure.

foundation on which

Substitutes "ground" with "foundation", highlighting the support or base for something but maintains the prepositional structure.

platform upon which

Replaces "ground" with "platform", suggesting a more structured or formal base.

the footing on which

Uses "footing" instead of "ground", suggesting a level of stability or support.

reasons for which

Shifts the focus to the justifications or causes underlying a situation or decision.

the justification for which

Changes the focus to the reasons behind an action.

the level on which

Uses "level", suggesting the evenness of a starting point.

the circumstances under which

Changes the focus to the conditions or situations in which something occurs.

the stage upon which

Metaphorically uses "stage" to indicate a setting or context, shifting to a more theatrical or figurative meaning.

the pretext for which

Implies that the stated "ground" is not the real one and a hidden reason exists.

FAQs

How can I use "ground on which" in a sentence?

You can use "ground on which" to indicate a reason, basis, or foundation for something. For example, "That is poor "ground on which" to build a case for quitting the euro".

What are some alternatives to "ground on which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "basis upon which", "foundation on which", or "platform upon which", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative slightly shifts the focus but maintains a similar core meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "ground on which" or "grounds on which"?

"Ground on which" typically refers to a single, specific reason or foundation, while "grounds on which" suggests multiple reasons or a broader basis. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the context of your sentence.

How does "ground on which" differ from "basis on which"?

While similar, "ground on which" can sometimes imply a more literal or physical foundation, whereas "basis on which" is generally more abstract. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.