grounding it on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounding it on" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is based on or supported by a particular foundation or principle. Example: "The theory is grounding it on the principles of quantum mechanics."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The panel, which is expected to release its findings sometime after July 5, heard witnesses describe, under oath, the events that forced Shell to cut loose its exploratory drilling rig, the Kulluk, from its towline, grounding it on pristine Sitkalidak Island on New Year's Eve.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because of the ice, they found it on the ground.

The New Yorker

"After the helicopter landed on the ground it tilted on its side and hit its passengers with its rotor blades," a spokesperson for Russia's Investigative Committee said.

Independent

In any event, Kislev argues against penalties on grounds it relied on written opinions from tax lawyers.

Forbes

"They're trained to either sit or to lie down on the ground — it depends on the situation.

Huffington Post

Presumably, Pakistan will destroy the house he lived in, but what will they do about the ground it stood on?

The New Yorker

Half an hour into the session, the Dow has given up almost all the ground it gained on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Now, you can have the property and the ground it sits on.

Forbes

Chipmaker Xilinx, which had invested in both Invention Investment funds, was sued in December by IV nonetheless on grounds it had infringed on a patent IV held.

Forbes

Now with a newly built mansion on the grounds, it also went on sale earlier this year – for $90m.

The Guardian - Film

It has chasing flight displays and will walk on the ground; it also displays on the ground, but the function of this is uncertain.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using more common and grammatically standard alternatives like "basing it on" or "founding it on" instead of "grounding it on".

Common error

Avoid using "grounding it on" in formal writing. Although it may be understood in some contexts, it deviates from standard English grammar, potentially diminishing the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounding it on" functions as a connector, attempting to link a subject with the basis or foundation upon which it is established. However, Ludwig indicates this phrasing is not standard, suggesting grammatical issues.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "grounding it on" attempts to convey that something is based on a particular foundation, it's considered grammatically questionable and not standard in English. Ludwig indicates potential grammatical issues. With only one exact example found, its frequency is rare. For clearer and more credible writing, alternatives such as "basing it on", "founding it on", or "rooting it in" are recommended. These alternatives offer more precise and grammatically sound ways to express similar meanings, thereby enhancing the clarity and authority of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basing it on

This alternative focuses on the foundation or basis upon which something is built or justified.

basing it upon

This alternative adds a slightly more formal tone while still emphasizing the foundation of something.

founding it on

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing something with a particular basis or principle.

building it on

This implies a gradual construction or development process based on a specific element.

predicating it on

This alternative suggests that something is affirmed or based upon a particular condition or assumption.

establishing it on

This highlights the creation or setting up of something with a particular basis.

rooting it in

This conveys the idea of something being deeply embedded or originating from a specific source.

deriving it from

This option focuses on the act of obtaining or sourcing something from a particular origin.

justifying it by

This emphasizes the act of providing reasons or evidence to support something.

basing its principles on

This alternative targets the fundamentals of a system.

FAQs

What does "grounding it on" mean?

The phrase "grounding it on" suggests basing something on a particular foundation or principle. However, it's not a standard English construction, and alternatives like "basing it on" or "founding it on" are generally preferred for clarity.

Is "grounding it on" grammatically correct?

No, "grounding it on" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The more accepted phrasing would be "based on" or "founded on".

What are some alternatives to "grounding it on"?

Alternatives include "basing it on", "founding it on", "rooting it in", and "predicating it on". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "basing it on" instead of "grounding it on"?

Instead of saying "The theory is grounding it on quantum mechanics", you can say "The theory is "basing it on" the principles of quantum mechanics". This provides a grammatically correct and clear alternative.