is grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is grounds for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something provides a valid reason or justification for a particular action or consequence. Example: "His repeated tardiness is grounds for termination from the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Public nudity is grounds for arrest.

The New York Times

"But it is grounds for optimism.

The Guardian

Neither kind of risk is grounds for immediate alarm.

The Economist

Committing a felony is grounds for disciplinary action, he said.

The New York Times

All that is grounds for calm, but not complacency.

The New York Times

Censure by a professional body is grounds for losing an honour, government officials explain.

The Economist

Simply admitting past use to a caseworker is grounds for a neglect case.

The New York Times

A diver can black out, which is grounds for disqualification in freediving events.

The New York Times - Sports

Their dilemma is grounds for pathos, or possibly for satire, but is it grounds for tragedy?

The New Yorker

Failure to attend a job centre interview is grounds for sanction.

The Guardian

"Homosexual conduct is grounds for separation from the armed forces -- not sexual orientation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is grounds for", ensure that the reason you are providing is directly and logically connected to the consequence or action you are justifying. Clear connections enhance the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is grounds for" for minor or inconsequential situations. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for scenarios where the reason genuinely justifies a significant outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is grounds for" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. It expresses that the preceding noun constitutes a sufficient or legitimate reason for a subsequent action or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is grounds for" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something provides a sufficient reason or justification for a particular action or consequence. Ludwig AI shows its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse sources, especially in news and media. While it is suitable for establishing clear justifications, overusing it or applying it to trivial situations can diminish its impact. Related phrases, like "constitutes sufficient reason for", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. The key takeaway is to use "is grounds for" judiciously to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitutes sufficient reason for

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the adequacy of the reason.

provides justification for

This alternative focuses on the act of justifying or defending an action or decision.

warrants

A shorter, more direct way of saying something merits a particular action.

is sufficient cause for

Similar to "constitutes sufficient reason", but uses 'cause' instead of 'reason'.

is a valid basis for

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the reason being presented.

gives rise to

Highlights the consequence or outcome resulting from the initial situation.

forms the basis of

Focuses on the underlying foundation or support for an action.

provides a rationale for

This alternative emphasizes the reasoning or explanation behind something.

legitimizes

This expresses that something makes an action legitimate or permissible.

is cause enough for

A more emphatic way of stating that something is definitely a reason.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is grounds for" is used to indicate that something provides a sufficient reason or justification for a particular action or consequence. For example, "Repeated violation of company policy is grounds for termination".

What phrases are similar to "is grounds for"?

Alternatives to "is grounds for" include "constitutes sufficient reason for", "provides justification for", or simply "warrants", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "is grounds for"?

Use "is grounds for" when you want to assert that a specific action or situation creates a legitimate basis for a particular outcome. It is suitable for formal contexts where a clear justification is needed.

Is there a difference between "is ground for" and "is grounds for"?

"Is ground for" is less common and can sound awkward. "Is grounds for" is the more established and widely accepted phrase.