grounds for belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grounds for belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basis or justification for holding a particular belief or opinion. Example: "The scientist presented compelling grounds for belief in the theory, supported by extensive research and data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

For him evidence, or grounds for belief, is rooted in dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

It is contended that the administrative finding of reasonable grounds for belief that he was 'of doubtful trust and reliability,' and therefore a security risk, offends due process.

Cornell University

See J. Ziman, Reliable Knowledge: An Exploration of the Grounds for Belief in Science 130-133 (1978); Relman and Angell, How Good Is Peer Review?, 321 New Eng.

Cornell University

Establishment of grounds for belief that the offense of tax evasion has been committed often requires a reconstruction of the taxpayer's income from many individually unrevealing facts which are not susceptible of a concise statement in a complaint.

Cornell University

509, 549, 550 (complaint in writing, founded on knowledge or belief, setting forth grounds for belief, supported by oath or affirmation, to the satisfaction of U.S. district or circuit judge); Act of July 24 , 1897 30 Stat.

Cornell University

Although neither Putnam nor Dummett is prepared to endorse verificationism (the view that a statement is cognitively meaningful only if it is possible in principle to verify it), both argue for positions which connect truth more closely than the realist does with evidence or with grounds for belief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

One answer to that question is what is often called the Argument from Religious Experience: Religious experiences are in all relevant respects like sensory experiences; sensory experiences are excellent grounds for beliefs about the physical world; so religious experiences are excellent grounds for religious beliefs.

SEP

However, his memory lives on, and the Haitian Revolution is arguably the most-compelling ground for belief in the otherworldly power of the maroons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The claim is not that one can validly infer God as the cause of theistic religious experience, but that one who participates in such experience is entitled to trust it as a ground for belief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We must also reject the contention that appellant was denied due process in that the resolution made the basis for his dismissal noted not only his refusal to answer but also '* * * that further investigation has revealed activities on the part of (appellant) which give reasonable ground for belief that he is not a good security risk.

Cornell University

Kant, of course is no fideist, for he does not take a leap of faith based on revealed religion to be the proper ground for belief in God.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts or philosophical ideas, use "grounds for belief" to refer to the underlying reasons or justifications.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "grounds for belief" can sound overly formal in casual conversation; consider using simpler alternatives like "reasons to believe" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It denotes the foundation or justification upon which a belief is based, as seen in Ludwig's examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grounds for belief" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that denotes the reasons or justifications for holding a particular belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like academic papers and scientific discussions, where a well-supported argument is essential. While versatile, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Common alternative expressions include "reasons for believing" and "basis for conviction". Its frequency is uncommon, with notable presence in academic and scientific domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for believing

Focuses on the specific reasons that support a belief, rather than the general 'grounds'.

basis for conviction

Emphasizes a strong belief or certainty.

justification for faith

Specifically relates to religious or spiritual beliefs.

evidence supporting belief

Highlights the evidence that lends credence to a belief.

rationale behind believing

Focuses on the logical reasoning that underpins a belief.

foundation for trust

Shifts the focus to trust as the core belief.

validation of belief

Highlights the confirmation or verification of a belief.

support for faith

Focuses on what provides support or reinforcement for one's faith.

credibility of belief

Emphasizes the believability or trustworthiness of a belief.

underpinnings of confidence

Highlights the fundamental elements that create confidence in something.

FAQs

What are some alternative phrases for "grounds for belief"?

You can use alternatives like "reasons for believing", "basis for conviction", or "justification for faith" depending on the context.

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

Use "grounds for belief" to indicate the reasons or evidence supporting a particular belief. For example: "The scientist presented compelling grounds for belief in the new theory."

What is the difference between "grounds for belief" and "reasons for belief"?

"Grounds for belief" is a more formal way of saying "reasons for belief". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "grounds for belief"?

It is appropriate in academic, scientific, or formal discussions where a precise and well-supported justification for a belief is needed. It's also commonly found in legal and philosophical contexts.