on erroneous grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on erroneous grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or decision that is based on incorrect or false reasoning or assumptions. Example: "The court's decision was made on erroneous grounds, leading to a miscarriage of justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Someone — on erroneous grounds, it turns out — suggested Aristotle.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But can a war, especially a war of choice, that was justified primarily on misleading or erroneous grounds ever be considered legitimate in a democratic society?

The New York Times

"We felt that was based on erroneous fears," he said.

The New York Times

Fear-mongering based on erroneous Malthusian population theory must stop.

The New York Times

In addition, there are a number of erroneous physical interpretations and many of the conclusions are based on erroneous data.

Coastal Engineering

And it was based on erroneous logic and false information.

Huffington Post

"Targeting entire communities for investigation based on erroneous stereotypes produces flawed intelligence.

Huffington Post

In February he sent letters to 12 economists and consultants ordering them to reveal their methodology, on the grounds that erroneous figures could mislead consumers.Some of Mr Moreno's targets refused; the rest were analysed by INDEC, which predictably found their methods flawed.

The Economist

"Today's Wall Street Journal story about Theranos is factually and scientifically erroneous and grounded in baseless assertions by inexperienced and disgruntled former employees and industry incumbents," reads a statement on Theranos' website.

TechCrunch

In a statement, LVMH expressed its "astonishment at the great weakness of this decision, both on legal grounds and the completely erroneous analysis of the facts its shows".

The New York Times

It is wrong to look down on other faiths on the grounds that their creeds are erroneous.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using more precise and descriptive alternatives, such as "based on false assumptions" or "predicated on faulty logic", when the context allows for greater specificity.

Common error

Avoid using "on erroneous grounds" as a catch-all phrase without specifying the nature of the error. Instead, clarify the exact misconception or inaccuracy that led to the faulty conclusion to make your writing more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on erroneous grounds" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the basis or reason for an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on erroneous grounds" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that a decision or belief is based on incorrect information. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While less common, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as news reporting and academic writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "based on false assumptions" for clarity. When employing this phrase, ensure you explicitly state the nature of the error to strengthen your argument.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on false assumptions

Focuses specifically on the incorrect assumptions underlying a decision or belief.

based on incorrect data

Highlights the use of flawed data as the foundation for a conclusion or action.

predicated on faulty logic

Emphasizes the flawed reasoning process leading to a particular outcome.

on mistaken premises

Similar to 'assumptions' but can also refer to legal or philosophical underpinnings.

grounded in fallacies

Indicates the presence of logical fallacies that undermine the validity of a claim or action.

on unsubstantiated claims

Highlights the lack of evidence or support for the basis of a decision or belief.

based on flawed reasoning

Similar to 'faulty logic,' it emphasizes the defectiveness of the reasoning process.

on shaky foundations

Emphasizes the instability and unreliability of the underlying basis.

based on a misunderstanding

Highlights the misinterpretation of facts or circumstances that led to an erroneous conclusion.

on flimsy evidence

Indicates that the supporting evidence is weak and unconvincing.

FAQs

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

You can use "on erroneous grounds" to indicate that a decision, belief, or action is based on incorrect or false information. For example: "The lawsuit was dismissed "on erroneous grounds" because the plaintiff lacked sufficient evidence."

What are some alternatives to "on erroneous grounds"?

Alternatives include "on false assumptions", "based on incorrect data", or "predicated on faulty logic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of error being described.

Is "on erroneous grounds" formal or informal language?

"On erroneous grounds" is considered formal language, suitable for academic, legal, and professional writing. In more casual settings, simpler phrases like "based on a mistake" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "on erroneous grounds" and "on spurious grounds"?

While both phrases suggest a flawed basis, "erroneous" emphasizes factual inaccuracies, whereas "spurious" implies that the grounds are deceitful or lacking genuine merit. Therefore, "on spurious grounds" carries a stronger connotation of dishonesty or manipulation.