primary ground for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary ground for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main reason, argument, or justification for something. For example: "The primary ground for their appeal was their argument that the court's decision was unconstitutional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The primary ground for the Ninth Circuit's opinion is that "the Government has not shown that the Executive Order provides what due process requires, such as notice and a hearing prior to an individual's ability to travel".

The New Yorker

In India, offense has become the primary ground for censors to shut up the kind of speech they just don't like, especially when that speech comes from the mouths of foreigners.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the primary grounds for Fisher-Hoch's dismissal, cited in a 28 June letter to her from the foundation, are that she spoke with journalists about the foundation's decision to replace her as director.

Science Magazine

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy cited the Fifth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection as the primary grounds for overturning DOMA -- and this is exactly as it should be, so kudos to Kennedy and his concurring cohorts.

Huffington Post

The primary ground station used for the experiment is the 64-m antenna of Usuda Deep Space Center UDSCC) of JAXA, which is located at 138°21′54″ East longitude, 36°07′44″ North latitude.

Earth, Planets and Space

The primary ground based model used has been hindlimb unloading of rodents, which is similar to the chronic bed-rest model for humans.

Advances in Space Research

They also say the area is the primary breeding ground for the area's mosquitoes.

The New York Times

They say the rebels, known as Houthis, are surrounding the Iman University, an institution long viewed as a primary breeding ground for militants.

The Guardian

In fact, if you have to choose the primary breeding ground for the various business misdeeds now consuming national attention, New York, I'm afraid, is the place.

The New York Times - Magazine

The proposal would allow commercial whaling of fin and other endangered whales in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary, a vast area around Antarctica which is the primary feeding ground for many whale species.

The Guardian

Opened in Panama in 1946 and moved to its current location at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1984, the school has been the primary training ground for more than 60,000 Latin American military and police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary ground for", ensure that it clearly indicates the most important reason, as opposed to secondary or less significant justifications.

Common error

Avoid using "primary ground for" when the reason is not definitively the most important, as it can weaken your argument if other factors are equally or more influential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary ground for" functions as a prepositional phrase identifying the most important reason or justification. It introduces the core argument or basis upon which a claim or action is founded, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary ground for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote the most important reason or justification for something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts and is generally considered appropriate for neutral to formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately represents the most significant reason and avoid overstating its importance if other factors are equally influential. Consider alternative phrases like "main justification for" or "key reason for" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main justification for

Replaces "ground" with "justification", emphasizing a defense or reason for an action or belief.

key reason for

Substitutes "ground" with "reason", highlighting the importance of the cause.

principal basis for

Uses "basis" instead of "ground", focusing on the foundation or support for something.

chief cause of

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the origin or source of an event or situation.

fundamental reason behind

Emphasizes the depth and foundational nature of the reason.

core motive for

Focuses on the driving force or intention behind an action.

primary impetus for

Highlights what propelled or initiated something.

essential element of

Shifts the focus to a necessary component rather than a direct reason.

mainspring of

Uses a more figurative term to describe the underlying cause or motivation.

underlying rationale for

Highlights the logical explanation or justification beneath the surface.

FAQs

How can I use "primary ground for" in a sentence?

You can use "primary ground for" to introduce the main reason or justification for something, like in this example: "The "primary ground for" the appeal was the court's misinterpretation of the law".

What phrases are similar to "primary ground for"?

Similar phrases include "main justification for", "key reason for", and "principal basis for".

Is "primary ground for" formal or informal?

"Primary ground for" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the writing.

When is it better to use "primary reason" instead of "primary ground for"?

While "primary reason" and "primary ground for" are often interchangeable, "primary ground for" may be preferred when referring to a more formal or legalistic justification. Consider that you can also use the alternative "primary reasons for".