reasonable grounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable grounds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe when there is a basis for something that is logical and/or justified. For example, "The officer had reasonable grounds to believe the suspect was guilty of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those are reasonable grounds for reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

§ 725.483 Costs in proceedings brought without reasonable grounds.

Cornell University

They certainly had some reasonable grounds for complaint.

The Guardian - Sport

The press has other reasonable grounds for concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who remember Federer's yearlong dominance in 2006 have reasonable grounds for argument.

The New York Times - Sports

Many voters would feel as though they had perfectly reasonable grounds to connect the dots.

The New York Times

Even then, a seven-judge pre-trial chamber must decide that there are "reasonable" grounds.

The Economist

The Court of Appeals found there was neither reasonable grounds nor probable cause for Toy's arrest.

Cornell University

These are the sorts of "reasonable grounds" that warrant further investigation by an independent counsel.

The New York Times

They were all then all then apprehended without officers providing reasonable grounds for suspicion.

The Guardian

She also said the police believed there were "reasonable grounds" to believe offences had been committed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable grounds" in legal or formal writing, ensure you can clearly articulate the facts and evidence that support the grounds. Specificity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable grounds" based on mere suspicion or hunches. Ensure there is concrete evidence or articulable facts that a prudent person would consider sufficient to justify the action or belief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable grounds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes the basis or justification for an action, belief, or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable grounds" is a very common noun phrase used to denote a justifiable basis for a belief, action, or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. This phrase functions to provide justification or explain the rationale behind a decision. While primarily neutral to formal in register, its use in legal and academic settings lends it a degree of formality. Remember to use "reasonable grounds" when you have clear, articulable facts and evidence to support your claim, and avoid using it based on mere suspicion. Alternatives include "justifiable reasons" and "legitimate basis". Be certain of the validity of your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justifiable reasons

Focuses on the justification behind the reasons, emphasizing their defensibility.

legitimate basis

Highlights the lawfulness and validity of the foundation or reason.

valid justification

Emphasizes the strength and soundness of the provided justification.

good cause

A more general term indicating a sufficient reason or legal justification.

sufficient basis

Indicates that the basis is adequate and meets the required standard.

plausible rationale

Highlights the believability and logical coherence of the reasoning.

tenable grounds

Stresses the ability of the grounds to be defended or maintained.

well-founded reasons

Emphasizes that the reasons are based on solid evidence and sound judgment.

supportable rationale

Highlights that the rationale can be backed up with evidence or arguments.

defensible justification

Focuses on the ability to defend the justification against scrutiny or challenge.

FAQs

How to use "reasonable grounds" in a sentence?

Use "reasonable grounds" to indicate a justifiable basis for a belief or action. For example, "The police had "reasonable grounds" to suspect him of the crime."

What can I say instead of "reasonable grounds"?

You can use alternatives like "justifiable reasons", "legitimate basis", or "valid justification" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "reasonable grounds" or "reasonables grounds"?

"Reasonable grounds" is correct. The adjective "reasonable" modifies the plural noun "grounds", indicating justifiable reasons or basis.

What's the difference between "reasonable grounds" and "probable cause"?

"Reasonable grounds" is a broader term indicating a rational basis for suspicion or belief, while "probable cause" is a higher standard often required for legal actions like arrests or searches, demanding a stronger likelihood of criminal activity.