on which ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"on which ground" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a particular factor, idea, or point of view which serves as the basis for an argument or discussion. For example, "We must look into the cost of production on which ground the prices of the product are determined".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No decision is expected on which ground will host next summer's West Indies Test until the ECB has finalised the international match schedule for 2012.

BBC

The second study aims at understanding on which ground designers of different levels of expertise construct their own constrained cognitive environment.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But for Rosenthal there might not be an RA today: on which grounds alone, Hail, Sir Norman, and farewell.

Independent

However, it is not clear what the precise criteria are for being considered a possible answer, and on which grounds (8a) is to be distinguished from (8b d).

SEP

Any situation calls for the one foremost question to be analyzed: who decides upon what for whom, why, how, on which grounds and with which consequences for whom?

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The question arises, however, as to what constitutes 'good planning', and to what extent and on which grounds this can be morally demanded of potential parents.

BMC Medical Ethics

It also stated which patients had to be selected and on which grounds, who should perform the prevention, especially to whom, and what length the follow-up period should be in order to have sufficient data.

BMC Health Services Research

Money can be even more abstract than the paper on which countless ground zero proposals have been inscribed.

The New York Times - Arts

In contrast to some kinds of realism, constructivism does not seek axioms or first principles or objective values on which to ground moral truths.

SEP

Space emerges as one of the few issues on which some common ground is visible.

Science Magazine

"I don't believe that the grounds on which that action was taken were grounds that I would accept.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on which ground" when you want to inquire about or establish the basis for an argument, decision, or belief. It is suitable for formal writing and discussions where precision is important.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "ground" and "grounds". "Ground" refers to a specific area or reason, while "grounds" (plural) often refers to broader justifications or factors. Using the incorrect form can alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on which ground" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying the basis or reason for something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on which ground" is a grammatically sound phrase used to inquire about the underlying reason or basis for something. While acceptable, Ludwig highlights that it is less common than the similar phrase "on what grounds". Primarily found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When crafting your writing, consider whether alternative phrases like "on what basis" or "for what reason" might better suit the tone and context. Remember to distinguish between "ground" and "grounds" to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what basis

This alternative uses "basis" instead of "ground", implying a reasoned foundation or rationale.

on what grounds

Using the plural "grounds" makes the phrase slightly more formal, often used in legal or official contexts.

based on which reason

This option is a more verbose phrasing, explicitly stating "reason" as the foundation.

by virtue of what

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the authority or right by which something is done.

on whose authority

This alternative directly questions the source of permission or justification.

upon what justification

This is a more formal and emphatic way of asking for the reason behind an action or decision.

according to which principle

This option suggests a reliance on a fundamental rule or belief.

for what reason

This is a direct and simple way to ask why something is the case.

on what account

This alternative is more formal and somewhat archaic, implying a reason or explanation.

on what pretext

This phrase suggests that the stated reason might be a false or misleading one.

FAQs

How can I use "on which ground" in a sentence?

Use "on which ground" to inquire about the basis or justification for something. For example, "On which ground do you base your assumptions?"

Is it more appropriate to use "on which ground" or "on what grounds"?

While both are grammatically correct, "on what grounds" is more commonly used, especially in formal or legal contexts. "On which ground" is less frequent but still acceptable.

What does "on which ground" mean?

The phrase "on which ground" signifies the reason, basis, or justification upon which something is based or decided.

What are some alternatives to "on which ground"?

Alternatives include "on what basis", "for what reason", or "by what justification", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.