grounds for asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounds for asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the reasons or justification for making a request or inquiry. Example: "There are several grounds for asking for a review of the policy, including recent changes in regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There would be grounds for asking, as the Folletts and Fields have, whether this was the optimal way for Mr Blair to manage a team of ministers.

The Economist

You do not need grounds for asking the tenant to leave, but are simply required to serve notice in the prescribed way.

The Guardian - Money

Last week, Gilligan claimed in the Evening Standard that "there are grounds for asking whether the City of London Corporation is in step with those it speaks for".

The Guardian

On Monday night, Mr. Reilly, a Democrat who also opposes gay marriage, said that although he disagreed with the court's decision, he could not find any legal grounds for asking the court to issue a stay.

The New York Times

The governor of Idaho declared the ministers' case to be grounds for asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to rehear the case on the state ban.

Huffington Post

As the black church becomes more of a decentralized institution in the black community the journey to self is occurring in secular spaces but that lends to more fruitful grounds for asking questions of fundamental meaning because these not explicitly religious spaces are not constrained by normalized tenants of religiosity and dogmatism.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

An Italian man was punched to the ground for asking another man which way he voted in the referendum".

The Guardian

The plaintiffs had sought compensation for lost hunting and fishing grounds, asking for the equivalent of $37.8 million.

The New York Times

As hundreds of East Germans surrounded his embassy grounds, asking for asylum and West German citizenship, he helped some of them over the wall himself -- onto the embassy grounds, which were West German territory.

The New York Times

Composers with populist aspirations who merge traditions into some mushy middle ground are asking for trouble.

The New York Times

But if the patient received anything short of what I have described, I should think that Mr. Levy would be on shaky ground in asking for absolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grounds for asking" when a formal or serious justification is required. In casual conversation, "reasons for asking" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "reasons for asking" in situations that require a formal or legal tone. "Grounds for asking" implies a more substantial justification, especially in professional or legal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for asking" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the justification or reasons behind a question or request. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grounds for asking" is a grammatically sound and professionally applicable phrase used to denote the reasons or justifications for posing a question or making a request. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage suggests a neutral to formal tone. While "reasons for asking" serves as a close alternative, "grounds for asking" provides a more substantial implication, especially in professional environments. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register ensures effective communication and avoids common pitfalls like informality in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifications for asking

Replaces "grounds" with "justifications", emphasizing the reasons for the request.

reasons for asking

Substitutes "grounds" with "reasons", a more common and direct alternative.

rationales for asking

Uses "rationales" instead of "grounds", suggesting a more formal and reasoned approach.

basis for asking

Replaces "grounds" with "basis", highlighting the underlying foundation for the request.

reason for inquiry

Replaces asking with inquiry to add a touch of formality.

justification for inquiry

Replace the "grounds for asking" with a formal version like "justification for inquiry".

motives for asking

Substitutes "grounds" with "motives", indicating the underlying motivations behind the question.

arguments for asking

Replace grounds for asking with arguments for asking to reinforce a debate perspective.

motivation for asking

Replace grounds with motivation.

legal basis for asking

Adding "legal" before "basis" specifies a formal, law-related context.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "grounds for asking"?

You can use phrases like "justifications for asking" or "rationales for asking" to sound more formal. These alternatives emphasize a more reasoned and well-thought-out basis for the inquiry.

Is "grounds for asking" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "grounds for asking" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using "reasons for asking" or simply "why are you asking?" for a more relaxed tone.

How do I use "grounds for asking" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "There are valid "grounds for asking" for a review of the decision." Ensure that the context clearly indicates what those grounds are.

What's the difference between "grounds for asking" and "basis for asking"?

"Grounds for asking" often implies a more formal or legal justification, while "basis for asking" suggests a more general underlying reason or foundation. The choice depends on the context and level of formality required.