on compassionate grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"on compassionate grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to an exception or a special consideration being made for someone based on their personal circumstances or hardships. Example: The defendant's lawyer argued for a reduced sentence on compassionate grounds due to his client's difficult family situation and history of mental illness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why he is not released on compassionate grounds is one of the many wonders of our justice system.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1980, Thatcher agreed to both being released on compassionate grounds, at one point mistakenly believing they were twins.

The Guardian

Released last summer on compassionate grounds.

Independent

2009 Biggs released on compassionate grounds.

The Guardian

Instead he was released on compassionate grounds.

The Guardian

Chile's government is pressing for his release on compassionate grounds.

The Economist

That fisherman was sent home on "compassionate" grounds without charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pattakos was released in 1990 on compassionate grounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

July 2007 Moved from Belmarsh to Norwich on compassionate grounds.

The Guardian

But as Megrahi's cancer was declared terminal, the Libyan applied for release on compassionate grounds.

Independent

Kenny MacAskill has conceded that no other murderer was released on compassionate grounds under his watch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on compassionate grounds", ensure the context clearly explains the specific circumstances warranting the compassionate consideration. Provide enough detail to justify the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "on compassionate grounds" as a vague justification. Always provide specific details about the circumstances that merit compassionate consideration to avoid appearing insincere or arbitrary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on compassionate grounds" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating the reason or basis for an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on compassionate grounds" is a well-established and frequently used expression that serves to justify decisions made out of empathy and understanding, particularly in legal, medical, and ethical contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Its prevalence in news media and formal documents underscores its importance in conveying the rationale behind compassionate decisions. Remember to provide adequate justification when employing the phrase. Alternatives include "for humanitarian reasons" and "due to extenuating circumstances". Whether you are crafting legal arguments or explaining difficult choices, understanding the nuances of "on compassionate grounds" will improve the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on humanitarian grounds

Directly emphasizes the humane aspect of the decision.

for humanitarian reasons

Focuses on the broader concept of human welfare as the justification.

considering their personal hardship

Directly references the difficulties faced by an individual.

due to extenuating circumstances

Highlights the presence of unusual or mitigating factors influencing a situation.

for reasons of mercy

Stresses the act of showing leniency and forgiveness.

in light of mitigating factors

Similar to "extenuating circumstances" but perhaps more formal.

out of empathy

Emphasizes the feeling of understanding and sharing another's feelings.

in view of exceptional circumstances

Highlights the uniqueness and significance of the situation.

based on a plea for leniency

Emphasizes the request for a more lenient approach.

on personal grounds

More general, implying reasons specific to the individual's life.

FAQs

How can I use "on compassionate grounds" in a sentence?

You can use "on compassionate grounds" to explain why an exception or special consideration is being made, for example: "The prisoner was released "on compassionate grounds" due to his terminal illness".

What is a similar phrase to "on compassionate grounds"?

Alternatives include "for humanitarian reasons", "due to extenuating circumstances", or "on humanitarian grounds".

When is it appropriate to use "on compassionate grounds"?

It's appropriate when a decision is being made based on empathy and understanding of someone's difficult situation, often in legal or medical contexts.

What are some common examples of situations where someone might be released "on compassionate grounds"?

Examples include terminal illness, severe disability, or the death of a close family member, which make continued imprisonment unduly harsh.