on personal grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"on personal grounds" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is done for personal or subjective reasons, rather than rational or objective ones. For example: "He refused the promotion on personal grounds, as he was uncomfortable with the increased responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

One nominee, Sir David Garrard, may be excused on personal grounds.

The Guardian

The choice of ministers purely on personal grounds was favouritism; public approbation by the people through Parliament should determine their selection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Were the tour to go ahead and players do decide to opt out on personal grounds, it would not be a first.

The Guardian - Sport

If Petraeus hopes that leaving on personal grounds, however painful, will forestall hard policy questions — and perhaps leave his political reputation intact — he is likely mistaken.

The New Yorker

If Petraeus hopes that leaving on personal grounds, however painful, will forestall hard policy questions and perhaps leave his political reputation intact he is likely mistaken.

The New Yorker

With Mr. Chen's statements today, his position on relations with China appears to be converging with those of his main opponents, Vice President Lien Chan of the Nationalist Party and James Soong, a longtime Nationalist leader who broke away last year for an independent run, largely on personal grounds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is subject to means testing on the basis of personal grounds and course conditions.

The Guardian - Money

In several races throughout the country, candidates who either have the explicit backing of the party apparatus or are widely considered the establishment picks find themselves either in deep electoral holes or seriously challenged on personal or policy grounds.

Huffington Post

Manafort asked for mercy on more personal grounds, asking Jackson to weigh the effect on his wife, too.

The Washington Post

To refuse a reference on petty personal grounds is an abuse of a boss's power.

The New York Times

King Lear appeals to the skyey heavens for aid, but on the personal grounds that they and he are old.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on personal grounds", ensure the context makes it clear that the reasons are private and not necessarily justifiable to others. This can help avoid misunderstandings or the impression of withholding information.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "on personal grounds" without offering any broader context. While you don't need to disclose intimate details, providing some general reasoning can maintain transparency and trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on personal grounds" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the basis or reason for an action or decision. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in explaining resignations, refusals, or choices made for private, individual reasons.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on personal grounds" serves to explain decisions based on individual and private rationales. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig, but appears with varying frequency across different contexts. Its prevalence in news and media underscores its role in reporting decisions made for subjective reasons. While commonly used, it's crucial to provide adequate context to prevent ambiguity or mistrust, balancing the need for privacy with transparency. When other phrases are desired, "for personal reasons", "due to personal circumstances", or "based on personal preference" offer similar but nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for personal reasons

Focuses on the reason being private to the individual, rather than elaborating on the nature of those reasons.

due to personal circumstances

Highlights that the reasons are linked to the individual's situation or life events.

based on personal preference

Emphasizes the subjective aspect of the decision, stemming from individual taste or choice.

for subjective reasons

Highlights the non-objective or emotionally driven nature of the cause.

on individual grounds

Emphasizes that the reasons are specific to a person.

for private considerations

Indicates the reasons are confidential and not for public discussion.

out of personal conviction

Suggests the reason comes from a strong belief held by the person.

stemming from personal values

Links the reasons directly to the individual's moral or ethical principles.

motivated by personal feelings

Indicates decisions are driven by emotions or sentiments.

because of personal beliefs

Explains that the motivation is in what one holds to be true, right or important to them.

FAQs

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

You can use "on personal grounds" to indicate that a decision, action, or situation is based on someone's private or subjective reasons. For example, "He declined the job offer "for personal reasons"".

What are some alternatives to saying "on personal grounds"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for personal reasons", "due to personal circumstances", or "based on personal preference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to ask for specifics when someone cites "on personal grounds"?

While it's natural to be curious, directly pressing for details after someone has cited "on personal grounds" may be seen as intrusive. It's generally best to respect their privacy unless they offer more information willingly.

What does it mean when someone resigns "on personal grounds"?

When someone resigns "on personal grounds", it typically means they are leaving their position for reasons that are private to them. This could encompass a wide range of issues, such as family matters, health concerns, or a desire for a career change, but the specific reasons are not being publicly disclosed.