grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounds for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a statement about the reasons for a certain action or opinion. For example, "The teacher's failure to meet the deadline provided grounds for dismissal from the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their grounds for suspicion?

The Economist

Grounds for scepticism are plentiful.

The Economist

There are grounds for scepticism.

The Economist

The grounds for the arrests?

The New York Times

HAMILTON Grounds for Sculpture "Tots on Tour".

The New York Times

But there are still grounds for concern.

The Economist

But there are grounds for suspicion.

The Economist

Grounds for Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road.

The New York Times

And there are still grounds for hope.

The Economist

That ought to be grounds for concern.

The Economist

But there are grounds for caution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grounds for", ensure that the reason or justification provided is clearly and directly linked to the action or decision it supports.

Common error

Avoid using "grounds for" to introduce trivial or unsubstantiated reasons. The phrase implies a significant justification, so the reason provided should be substantial and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reasons, justifications, or basis for a particular action, decision, or belief. Ludwig AI shows many examples of how it is used to present a basis for concern, hope, optimism, suspicion, lawsuits, arrest, and other scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grounds for" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase for expressing reasons or justifications. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, scientific discussions, and general explanations. While its register is neutral, it can effectively convey reasons ranging from hope to concern. Keep in mind that the justification must be strong and directly related to the action/decision, otherwise

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for

Focuses specifically on the reasons behind something, often implying a more detailed explanation.

justification for

Emphasizes the act of showing something to be right or reasonable, implying a need to defend or explain.

basis for

Indicates the underlying support or foundation on which something is based.

cause for

Highlights the reason why something has happened, often used to describe the source of an event or emotion.

rationale for

Suggests a logical or reasoned explanation, often used in formal or official contexts.

excuse for

Implies a reason given to justify a fault or offense, often carrying a negative connotation.

pretext for

Suggests a false or concealed reason, often used to mask a more sinister motive.

warrant for

Indicates that something is officially sanctioned or authorized.

reason to

This alternative implies a motivation or incentive to act or believe something.

justification to

This phrase shows you the reasons, facts, etc., that show that something is reasonable or correct

FAQs

How can I use "grounds for" in a sentence?

You can use "grounds for" to introduce the reasons or justifications for a particular action or decision. For example, "The evidence provided sufficient "reasons for" the investigation."

What are some alternatives to saying "grounds for"?

Alternatives to "grounds for" include "reasons for", "justification for", or "basis for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "grounds for" or "grounds to"?

"Grounds for" is the correct phrase when you are referring to the reasons or justifications for something. "Grounds to" is not a standard or commonly used phrase in this context.

What's the difference between "grounds for" and "reasons for"?

While both phrases indicate reasons, "grounds for" often implies a more formal or legalistic justification, whereas "reasons for" is a more general term for explaining why something is the case.