inadequate grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing insufficient reasons or justifications for a decision or action. Example: "The committee found that the evidence presented did not provide adequate grounds for the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Another great cause of confusion, however, is the human propensity to succumb to what Locke calls "Enthusiasm," the adoption on logically inadequate grounds of claims that one is already disposed to accept.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other cases, they also challenge the first premise (e.g., Jesus denied being omniscient, there are inadequate grounds to say that the Son of God created the cosmos).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A growing problem, too, is the inadequate ground communications systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Generals tell us of insufficient forces and of inadequate ground equipment and body armor.

The New York Times

However, this estimation was based on theoretical analysis with inadequate ground data measurements.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

Inadequate grounding may cause failures in major substation's equipment, as well as in control, metering and telecommunication equipment.

Electric Power Systems Research

The idea is that merely having justice on one's side is an inadequate ground for coercing others; one also needs a special title flowing from the moral status of the law.

SEP

Even if people were in complete agreement regarding their moral feelings, the universality of these feelings would be a contingent matter, and thus an inadequate ground for the unconditionally binding moral law.

SEP

In the past, nature appreciation was deemed aesthetic because of the assumption that nature is the work of a designing creator, but this assumption is simply false or at least inadequate for grounding an aesthetics of nature.

SEP

These included attempts to quantify its benefits and costs, raising concern that this huge and encompassing multi-national policy initiative may have been launched with inadequate intellectual ground-work.

Energy Policy

Some critics have said the raid that also destroyed a $70 million Osprey helicopter was launched with inadequate intelligence, ground support or backup preparations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate grounds", ensure the context clearly specifies what is lacking or deficient. Providing specific details strengthens your argument and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate grounds" when the situation requires a stronger term like "false pretenses" or "deliberate deception". In such cases, "inadequate" may downplay the severity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate grounds" functions as a noun phrase where "inadequate" modifies "grounds". Based on Ludwig's analysis, it is used to describe a lack of sufficient justification or basis for something. The examples provided demonstrate this usage in diverse contexts, from legal arguments to philosophical discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inadequate grounds" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that reasons or justifications are insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. Alternatives include "insufficient basis" or "weak justification". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the specific deficiencies. Avoid it in situations that demand stronger terms expressing intentional deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient basis

Changes the noun to 'basis' while keeping the adjective synonymous, altering the specific imagery but retaining the core meaning.

weak justification

Replaces 'inadequate' with 'weak' and 'grounds' with 'justification', both near synonyms, providing a slightly less formal tone.

poor reasons

Substitutes both words for simpler, more direct synonyms, making the phrase more accessible and less formal.

untenable argument

Shifts the focus to the 'argument' being unsupported, implying the 'grounds' are so weak the entire argument fails.

flimsy pretext

Emphasizes the deceptive or insubstantial nature of the 'grounds', suggesting they are used to conceal the real reason.

dubious foundation

Highlights the questionable nature of the base or 'ground' upon which something is built or justified.

invalid rationale

Focuses on the faulty reasoning, making the 'grounds' legally or logically unacceptable.

deficient reasoning

Emphasizes the lack of completeness or soundness in the logical process or justification.

unconvincing explanation

Highlights that the "grounds" given are not believable.

lacking substantiation

Indicates a failure to provide evidence that support.

FAQs

What does "inadequate grounds" mean?

The phrase "inadequate grounds" refers to reasons or justifications that are insufficient or not strong enough to support a claim, decision, or action. It suggests a lack of sufficient evidence or logical basis.

What can I say instead of "inadequate grounds"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient basis", "weak justification", or "poor reasons" depending on the context.

How to use "inadequate grounds" in a sentence?

Example: "The court dismissed the case on the grounds of inadequate evidence" or "The proposal was rejected due to inadequate planning grounds."

Is "inadequate grounds" formal or informal language?

"Inadequate grounds" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as legal documents, academic papers, news reports, and professional communications. While understandable in informal conversations, more direct synonyms might be preferable.