on humanitarian grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on humanitarian grounds" is correct and widely used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a decision or action that is based on compassion and concern for human welfare and well-being. Example: The court granted the convicted criminal parole on humanitarian grounds, as he had shown genuine remorse and had a terminal illness. In this sentence, "on humanitarian grounds" indicates that the decision to grant parole was made out of consideration for the human suffering of the criminal and his terminal illness, rather than purely legal or practical reasons.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The United States called on North Korea to release the American "on humanitarian grounds".

The New York Times

"It was on humanitarian grounds".

Independent

Advocates make the case on humanitarian grounds.

The New York Times

Others have welcomed it, on humanitarian grounds.

The Economist

"I made the decision on humanitarian grounds.

The New Yorker

He was released on humanitarian grounds.

The Guardian

Saddam disarms voluntarily: do we then invade on humanitarian grounds?

The Guardian

Some of these matches should be cancelled on humanitarian grounds.

The Guardian - Sport

Alan was released by the Cuban government on humanitarian grounds.

The Washington Post

This worries the aid agencies that pushed hard for the truce on humanitarian grounds.

The Economist

The European Union had urged Malta to help on humanitarian grounds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on humanitarian grounds", ensure the action or decision directly benefits people facing hardship or suffering. Clarity in demonstrating this connection strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "on humanitarian grounds" to justify actions that primarily serve political or economic interests. This can undermine the credibility of your argument and raise ethical concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on humanitarian grounds" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or basis for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on humanitarian grounds" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to justify actions based on compassion and a desire to alleviate human suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its high frequency across news and media sources suggests a neutral formality level. While versatile, it's crucial to use the phrase responsibly and avoid misapplication to actions driven by ulterior motives. Remember, context is key, and "on humanitarian grounds" should be used where a genuine humanitarian concern is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for humanitarian reasons

Emphasizes the reasons or motivations behind an action being rooted in humanitarian concerns.

on compassionate grounds

Highlights the element of compassion and empathy as the basis for a decision.

for the sake of humanity

Elevates the justification to a broader consideration of all humankind.

out of concern for human welfare

Directly states the concern for the well-being of people as the motivating factor.

in the interest of human dignity

Frames the action as protecting and upholding human dignity.

based on ethical considerations

Focuses on the ethical principles that guide the action.

guided by principles of humanity

Highlights that principles guide the decisions, not just feelings.

with regard to human suffering

Explicitly mentions the consideration of human suffering in the decision-making process.

considering the plight of others

Focuses on the difficult situation and circumstances of others.

on moral and ethical principles

Stresses the dual consideration of both moral and ethical guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "on humanitarian grounds" to justify decisions or actions that prioritize human welfare and aim to alleviate suffering. For example, "The government released the prisoners "on humanitarian grounds" due to their deteriorating health".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "on humanitarian grounds"?

Similar phrases include "for humanitarian reasons", "on compassionate grounds", and "for the sake of humanity". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on humanitarian grounds" in formal writing?

Yes, "on humanitarian grounds" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and widely understood phrase that conveys a specific justification based on human welfare. However, ensure that its usage aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What's the difference between "on humanitarian grounds" and "on ethical grounds"?

"On humanitarian grounds" specifically relates to actions taken to alleviate suffering and promote human welfare, while "on ethical grounds" refers to actions based on moral principles and a broader sense of right and wrong. While related, the former emphasizes compassion, whereas the latter emphasizes moral duty.