poor grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor grounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to weak or insufficient reasons or justifications for a belief, action, or decision. Example: "The committee dismissed the proposal due to poor grounds for its implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bringing a perennial supplement of resistance to the ground, this technique permits to use poor grounds in a sensitive environment.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

A parametric study developed with the proposed procedure for poor grounds, from the geotechnical point of view, has led to useful indications on the courses of action to take (integrative structural works or ground reinforcement) when it is possible that the phenomenon of machine sinking could occur.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

As Busch used poor grounds and colours, most are heavily darkened and have an almost monochrome effect.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many have been resettled on poor ground.

The Economist

That is poor ground on which to build a case for quitting the euro.

The Economist

Often these floods assume catastrophic dimensions caused by the poor ground retention of the rainfall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Britain's North American colonies, by contrast, made poor ground for extractive institutions; indigenous populations were too dispersed to enslave.

The Economist

This is poor ground on which to build an army of illiterate volunteers while in a hurry.

The New Yorker

Murray, who came into the match with all the momentum, addressed his ragged play as if his poor ground strokes were stuck in a vacuum.

The New York Times - Sports

The cast on Jimmy Stewart's broken leg in Hitchcock's "Rear Window" leaves the poor grounded photojournalist with nothing to do with his appetite for adventure but look out the window and spy on the neighborhood theater.

The New York Times

As well as boosting demand, these schemes have helped to raise standards (because beneficiaries must reach minimum entry requirements) and cut drop-out rates.Even so, more than half of students in higher education drop out before completing their courses, hobbled by money worries, a poor grounding in the basics and hectic schedules (most courses are part-time at night).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "poor grounds" to critique an argument, clearly identify which specific aspects are weak (e.g., "the evidence is anecdotal", "the logic is flawed").

Common error

Avoid using "poor grounds" simply to dismiss an idea you disagree with. Ensure your assessment is based on objective weaknesses in reasoning or evidence, not personal preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor grounds" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes the quality of the basis for an argument, decision, or belief, highlighting its inadequacy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "poor grounds" is used to express that there are inadequate reasons, evidence, or justifications for something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its grammatical function is to modify a noun, and its primary purpose is to critique or dismiss something. Although used in various registers, a neutral tone is the most common. While not exceedingly frequent, it's found across various sources, particularly in news, science, and wiki contexts. Alternatives include "weak reasons" and "insufficient basis". When using "poor grounds", ensure your assessment is based on objective weaknesses rather than personal opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak reasons

Emphasizes the lack of strength or validity in the reasons provided, directly addressing the quality of justification.

insufficient basis

Highlights the inadequacy of the foundation or support for a claim or action.

flimsy justification

Implies a weak and unconvincing attempt to defend or explain something.

tenuous arguments

Focuses on the fragility and lack of substance in the arguments presented.

questionable motives

Shifts the focus to the suspect or doubtful nature of the underlying motivations.

inadequate foundation

Highlights that the groundwork for an argument or structure is lacking or deficient.

unsatisfactory rationale

Directly addresses the failure of the reasoning to meet expectations or requirements.

dubious premises

Underscores that the foundational assumptions are unreliable or uncertain.

unconvincing evidence

Highlights the lack of persuasive power in the presented evidence.

faulty logic

Points out errors and weaknesses in the reasoning process.

FAQs

What does "poor grounds" mean?

"Poor grounds" refers to inadequate or insufficient reasons, evidence, or justification for a belief, argument, or action. It suggests a weakness or deficiency in the basis upon which something is founded.

How can I use "poor grounds" in a sentence?

You can use "poor grounds" in a sentence to express that something lacks a solid foundation or justification. For example, "The committee rejected the proposal due to "weak reasons" and insufficient evidence."

What are some alternatives to "poor grounds"?

Some alternatives to "poor grounds" include "insufficient basis", "flimsy justification", or "tenuous arguments", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "poor ground" or "poor grounds"?

While both phrases can be used, "poor grounds" is more commonly used when referring to reasons or justifications. "Poor ground" is more often used in a literal sense, such as referring to soil quality or physical terrain. The choice depends on the context of your sentence.