on the grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the grounds" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to give a reason or explanation as to why something has happened or why an opinion is held. For example, "I refuse to help them on the grounds that they have not been kind to me in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

About 30,000 camped on the grounds.

The New York Times - Arts

No running anywhere on the grounds.

The New York Times - Sports

There is limited wildlife on the grounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Boy Scout troops camp on the grounds.

The New York Times

Picnicking is not permitted on the grounds.

The New York Times

Parking on the grounds and in front.

The New York Times

It's nearby, but not on the grounds".

The New York Times

Two delightful cafes are on the grounds.

The New York Times - Travel

There are more than fifty buildings on the grounds.

The New Yorker

I declined on the grounds it might have germs.

The New Yorker

There are plans to build a hotel on the grounds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the grounds", ensure that the reason or justification provided is clear and directly relevant to the statement being made. For instance, "The application was rejected on the grounds of insufficient evidence" clearly links the rejection to the lack of evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "on the grounds" with vague or unsupported reasons. For example, saying "The decision was made on the grounds of unspecified concerns" lacks clarity and weakens the statement. Always provide a specific and justifiable reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the grounds" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or justification for a statement or action. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in contexts ranging from legal proceedings to general explanations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the grounds" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a justification or reason for a statement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives exist, such as "because of" or "due to", "on the grounds" provides a distinct emphasis on the rationale. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to use specific and supported reasons when employing this phrase. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility and widespread application across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the reasons

Replaces 'grounds' with 'reasons', focusing on the rationale.

by reason of

A more formal substitute, highlighting the cause or justification.

due to the justifications

Emphasizes the 'justifications' as the cause or basis.

because of the circumstances

Focuses on the circumstances leading to a particular outcome or decision.

owing to the fact that

A more elaborate way of indicating causality or reason.

by virtue of

Highlights a specific quality or power that enables something.

on the premises

Synonymous when referring to a physical location but lacks the abstract reasoning context.

in the area

Shifts the meaning to a physical location, differing from the original's reasoning aspect.

within the location

Similar to "in the area", but with a slightly different emphasis on a specific site.

in the territory

Indicates a broader geographical area, diverging from the specific 'grounds'.

FAQs

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

Use "on the grounds" to introduce the reason or justification for a decision or action. For example, "The contract was terminated "on the grounds" of non-compliance with the agreed terms".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "because of", "due to", or "based on". For example, instead of "He was released "on the grounds" of illness", you could say "He was released because of illness".

Is it better to use "on the grounds" or "because of"?

The best choice depends on the context. "On the grounds" is often used in more formal or legal contexts, while "because of" is more common in everyday language. Both are correct, but "on the grounds" adds a layer of formality.

What's the difference between "on the grounds" and "on the basis of"?

"On the grounds" typically refers to a specific reason or justification, whereas "on the basis of" suggests a broader foundation or rationale. They are often interchangeable, but "on the grounds" can imply a more immediate or direct cause.