on the grounds that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the grounds that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain a reason or justification for something. For example, "He was granted a visa on the grounds that he had a job offer in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Texas rejected an application to issue one on the grounds that it could offend some.

The Guardian

Coulson resigned on the grounds that he carried ultimate responsibility.

The Guardian

"On the grounds that 'M'bark is much worse than m'bite'".

The Guardian - Sport

Last December it did so, on the grounds that man-powered transport was inhuman.

The Economist

Pedro Hernandez's lawyer plans to challenge the confession on the grounds that he is mentally ill.

The New York Times

Conservatives have long opposed a VAT on the grounds that it makes raising revenue too easy.

The Economist

They pulled everyone's chain, on the grounds that it would have been lame not to.

The New York Times

I argued for it on the grounds that John had stated.

The New Yorker

Mamet declined on the grounds that the stressings were all in the right place and necessary.

Independent

"It's defended on the grounds that it doesn't discourage people from going to university.

Independent

The celebration was caught on camera, inviting criticism on the grounds that Swisher was mocking Santana.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the grounds that," ensure the reason provided is logically sound and directly supports the statement being made.

Common error

Avoid using "on the grounds that" in informal contexts; simpler alternatives like "because" or "since" may be more appropriate.

How to use

Learn how to use "on the grounds that" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the grounds that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that provides the reason or justification for the main clause. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the grounds that" is a formal conjunction used to introduce the reasoning behind a statement or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent in formal writing, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid over-formality. Alternatives like "because" or "since" are appropriate for more informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because

A simpler and more direct way to indicate a reason.

since

Indicates a reason or cause, similar to "because".

as

Similar to "because" and "since", indicating a reason.

due to the fact that

A more formal and lengthy way of saying "because".

by reason of

A formal alternative, often used in legal or official contexts.

in view of the fact that

A formal way to introduce a reason or justification.

considering that

Suggests that something is taken into account when making a judgment.

given that

Emphasizes that something is a known or assumed fact.

for the reason that

A more emphatic way of saying "because".

inasmuch as

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "because".

FAQs

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

Use "on the grounds that" to introduce the reason or justification for a decision, action, or belief. For example, "The application was rejected "on the grounds that" it was incomplete".

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

You can use alternatives like "because", "since", or "as" for simpler explanations. For more formal contexts, consider "due to the fact that" or "in view of the fact that".

Is "on the grounds that" interchangeable with "because"?

While both introduce reasons, "on the grounds that" is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. "Because" is suitable for everyday use.

Which is more formal: "on the grounds that" or "because"?

"On the grounds that" is significantly more formal. Use it when a serious or official tone is needed.