on what grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"on what grounds" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to question the basis for an action or opinion. For example, "On what grounds did the teacher decide to give him a failing grade?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On what grounds does one decide that objects deserve to be considered in moral deliberation?

Encyclopedia Britannica

On what grounds?

The New York Times - Arts

Q: On what grounds?

The New York Times

But on what grounds?

The New York Times

"On what grounds?" he asked.

The New Yorker

And on what grounds?

The Guardian

On what grounds are they being fought?

The New York Times

Tells on what grounds he appealed.

The New Yorker

On what grounds, I wonder?

The Guardian

But "right" on what grounds?

The New York Times - Books

Awaited by whom and on what grounds?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When questioning a statement's validity, combine "on what grounds" with evidence-based reasoning to make your inquiry more compelling. This enhances the credibility of your challenge or inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "on what grounds" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or confrontational. Opt for simpler alternatives like "why" or "what's the reason" to maintain a more relaxed and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what grounds" serves as an interrogative phrase used to question the justification or basis for a statement, action, or decision. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on what grounds" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase employed to question or challenge the justification behind a statement, action, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad acceptance. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it serves to elicit explanations and defenses, maintaining a neutral to formal register. For less formal settings, alternatives such as "what's the reason" might be more appropriate. With its clear purpose and established usage, mastering "on what grounds" enhances both the precision and effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what basis

Replaces "grounds" with "basis", indicating the foundation or reason for something.

by what justification

Emphasizes the act of justifying and asks for the reason behind it.

what's the rationale

Focuses on the reasoning or logic behind a decision or action.

what is the justification

Directly asks for the justification or reason behind something.

what's the reason

A simpler and more direct way of asking for the reason.

upon what authority

Questions the authority or power that allows something to happen.

on whose authority

Similar to 'upon what authority', but specifies that the authority is held by someone.

what are the reasons for

More verbose, directly asking for the list of reasons.

why is that

Simplest way of questioning an event or action, asking for its grounds.

what are the underpinnings

Replaces "grounds" with "underpinnings", indicating the fundamental support or justification for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "on what grounds" to question the justification or basis for a statement, action, or decision. For example, "On what grounds was the contract terminated?"

What can I say instead of "on what grounds"?

You can use alternatives like "on what basis", "what's the rationale", or "what is the justification depending on the context".

Which is correct, "on what grounds" or "on what ground"?

"On what grounds" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "On what ground" is grammatically incorrect.

Is "on what grounds" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "on what grounds" is highly appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic, legal, or professional contexts where a clear and direct inquiry into justifications is needed.