grounded in observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounded in observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories, conclusions, or practices that are based on empirical evidence or direct experience. Example: "The research findings are grounded in observation, providing a solid foundation for the conclusions drawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

All his work was grounded in observation.

The Guardian

Others are willing to accept art of a particular sort, one grounded in observation and sympathy.

The New Yorker

The findings are not simply opinions, but social facts grounded in observation," he says.

Yale University

The study of control as cultural practice is grounded in observation because it conceives of cultural knowledge as practical and largely extra-linguistic.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

He wanted the book to capture a recent historical moment—"New York in an age of money fever," as he put it and, in his view, the only genre equal to his ambition was Zola-esque realism, grounded in observation.

The New Yorker

Because he was one of the first to abandon scholastic Aristotelianism, because he formulated the first modern version of mind-body dualism, from which stems the mind-body problem, and because he promoted the development of a new science grounded in observation and experiment, he has been called the father of modern philosophy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The nonconformity statements were grounded in observations based on data obtained during the inspection, e.g. documents, interviews with personnel and leaders, patient records, or data from the patient administrative system.

BMC Health Services Research

More global assertions about the evolutionary roles of TEs in gene creation are grounded in observations that TEs preferentially lie in transcriptionally active regions (open chromatin), do (or may) affect transcription of neighboring regions, and correlate in their family composition and dynamics with major evolutionary events, trends or divergences.

Genome Biology and Evolution

This whole-system approach is grounded in experimental observation, based as it is on the mathematical linking of two observational cell descriptor functions.

BMC Systems Biology

Cliches are steered away from at key moments, and the whole project feels grounded in humane observation.

The Guardian - Film

But psychology evolved into an empirical discipline, grounded in close observation of human behavior, while economics became increasingly theoretical — in some ways it resembled a branch of mathematics.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "grounded in observation", ensure that you can clearly articulate the specific observations that support your claim or argument. Avoid vague statements and provide concrete examples.

Common error

Avoid using "grounded in observation" when the connection to direct observation is tenuous or based on speculation. The phrase implies a firm empirical foundation, so ensure your claims are genuinely backed by observable evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounded in observation" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes something as being based on or derived from careful and systematic observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grounded in observation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies something is based on empirical evidence and careful observation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in scientific, academic, and news media contexts, indicating a formal and authoritative tone. While alternatives like "based on observation" and "rooted in observation" exist, "grounded in observation" often implies a deeper, more fundamental connection to the observed data. When using this phrase, ensure your claims are genuinely backed by observable evidence to avoid overstating the observational basis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on observation

This alternative is more direct and lacks the metaphorical depth of "grounded".

rooted in observation

This alternative shares a similar metaphorical sense, emphasizing a deep connection to observation.

derived from observation

This alternative highlights the process of obtaining something from observation.

stemming from observation

This alternative emphasizes origination or development from observation.

informed by observation

This alternative focuses on how observation influences or shapes something.

founded on observation

This alternative stresses the establishment of something based on observation.

predicated on observation

This alternative suggests that something is affirmed or based on observation.

built upon observation

This alternative emphasizes that something is constructed or developed using observation as a base.

supported by observation

This alternative highlights how observation provides evidence or backing for something.

validated by observation

This alternative focuses on confirming the truth or accuracy through observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "grounded in observation" to describe theories, conclusions, or practices that are based on empirical evidence. For example, "His analysis was "grounded in observation", providing a solid foundation for the conclusions drawn."

What phrases are similar to "grounded in observation"?

Alternatives include "based on observation", "rooted in observation", or "derived from observation", depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "grounded in observation" often implies a more fundamental or deeply rooted connection to the observed data. "Based on observation" is a more general and straightforward alternative.

What does it mean when a theory is "grounded in observation"?

When a theory is "grounded in observation", it means that the theory's principles and concepts are derived directly from empirical data and real-world observations, rather than abstract reasoning or speculation.