provide grounds for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide grounds for" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used when introducing the reasons for something. For example, "The evidence provided grounds for the court to find the accused guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But GDP figures provide grounds for caution.

The Economist

Chief Blair said the video did not provide grounds for charges against the mayor.

The New York Times

The results may help prosecutors try other suspects, but could provide grounds for four men convicted this week to appeal.

The New York Times

The new world of floating exchange rates needed new models to provide grounds for analysis, which Dornbusch's paper provided.

The Guardian

These data provide grounds for the investigation of pathological changes in this relationship due to cortical dysfunctions.

NeuroImage

Furthermore, we describe several new hypotheses that have emerged from this study, that provide grounds for future empirical work.

Journal of Systems and Software

Uncertainty is a way to manage scientific ethos and provide grounds for the public to participate in scientific controversies.

The New York Times

Political will on both sides, and a broad consensus on the eventual outcome, provide grounds for optimism.

The Economist

Should they refuse then that would provide grounds for the West to develop their case for the withdrawal option.

The New York Times

Yet we insist that such diversity does not provide grounds for differential treatment at the most basic level.

Harvard University

By highlighting the sexist origin of laws mandating sex-separation of public restrooms, I hope to provide grounds for at least reconsidering their continued existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide grounds for", ensure that the evidence or reasons you present directly relate to the conclusion or action you are justifying.

Common error

Avoid using "provide grounds for" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "give a reason" or "explain why" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide grounds for" functions as a connector, specifically a purpose connector, indicating that something serves as the justification or basis for something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces reasons for actions or conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide grounds for" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a connector to introduce the reasons or justifications behind an action, decision, or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to indicate that something offers justification or rationale. It is mainly employed in formal and scientific contexts, though it is also found in news and media. While simpler alternatives may exist for informal settings, "provide grounds for" is especially appropriate when aiming to present credible and authoritative reasons. Ludwig's examples also highlighted its utility for defending or arguing in favor of an action or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give justification for

More verbose alternative to the phrase "provide grounds for".

present a rationale for

Focuses on the reasoning behind an action or decision.

offer a basis for

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of providing reasons.

furnish a reason for

A more formal way of saying 'give a reason'.

establish a basis for

Highlights the act of creating a foundation.

justify

Single word alternative to the phrase "provide grounds for".

build a case for

Implies constructing an argument in favor of something.

lend credence to

Focuses on making something believable or acceptable.

support the possibility of

Indicates that something makes another thing more likely.

create an excuse for

Highlights the act of creating an excuse as grounds for.

FAQs

How can I use "provide grounds for" in a sentence?

You can use "provide grounds for" to introduce the reasons or evidence that support a particular action or decision. For example, "The new evidence "provides grounds for" further investigation".

What are some alternatives to "provide grounds for"?

Some alternatives include "justify", "give justification for", or "offer a basis for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "provide grounds for" or "gives a reason for"?

"Provide grounds for" is more formal and suitable for legal or academic writing, while "gives a reason for" is more casual and appropriate for everyday conversation.

Can "provide grounds for" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "provide grounds for" can be used in a negative context to indicate that certain evidence supports a negative action or decision. For instance, "The errors in the report "provide grounds for" rejecting the proposal".