the ground for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the ground for' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the reason for something, and can be used in the following example: The judge found that there was inadequate ground for granting the petitioner's claim.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It would lay the ground for elections.

The New York Times

That is the ground for impatience.

The New York Times - Travel

It remained on the ground for around 40 minutes.

The Economist

On the contrary, it prepared the ground for them.

The New Yorker

It's up off the ground for better sound dispersion.

The New York Times

The monk digs his knuckles into the ground for leverage.

The New Yorker

It was on the ground for 40 minutes, she said.

The New York Times

It will keep in the ground for years.

The Economist

Lead pollution remains in the ground for decades.

The New York Times

Political allies are readying the ground for him.

The Economist

I'm scanning the ground for signs of life.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the ground for", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the literal surface, or the metaphorical reason or preparation for something. For instance, "laying the ground for" is often used to describe preparing for future events.

Common error

Avoid using "the ground for" when a simpler word like "reason" or "basis" would suffice, especially in formal writing. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound convoluted. Consider whether the preparatory or foundational aspect is truly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ground for" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a prepositional complement. It describes the reason, basis, or preparation for something, as shown in examples like "laying "the ground for" elections" and "preparing "the ground for" the rig".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the ground for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that indicates the reason, basis, or preparation for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it's generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context clearly reflects the intended meaning—whether literal or figurative—and to avoid overuse. Consider synonyms like "the basis for" or "the reason for" to add variety to your writing. "The ground for" is a valuable tool for expressing causality and justification, but should be used thoughtfully to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basis for

This alternative emphasizes the foundation or underlying support for something, rather than the preparatory aspect.

the reason for

Focuses directly on the cause or explanation for something, omitting the implication of preparation.

the foundation for

Similar to "the basis for", but puts more weight on the structural or supporting aspect.

the groundwork for

Focuses on the initial steps or foundation laid for a future development.

the justification for

This suggests a more formal defense or rationale for an action or decision.

the rationale for

Emphasizes the logical reasoning behind something, often used in formal contexts.

the explanation for

Directly refers to the act of explaining or clarifying something, lacking the preparatory sense.

the pretext for

Implies a deceptive or concealed reason, adding a layer of suspicion or hidden motive.

the preparation for

Highlights the act of making something ready, removing the sense of reason or cause.

the starting point for

Indicates the initial stage or point from which something begins, without necessarily implying a cause.

FAQs

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

You can use "the ground for" to indicate the reason or basis for something, as in "This research lays "the groundwork for" future studies", or to describe literal ground preparation, like "Prepare "the soil for" planting".

What's a synonym for "the ground for"?

Alternatives to "the ground for" include "the basis for", "the reason for", or "the justification for depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "lay the ground for" or "lay the groundwork for"?

Both "lay "the ground for"" and "lay "the groundwork for"" are acceptable, but "lay "the groundwork for"" is more common and emphasizes the preparatory work being done.

When should I use "the ground for" instead of "because of"?

Use "the ground for" when you want to highlight not just the cause, but also the preparatory or foundational aspect. "Because of" simply indicates causality, while "the ground for" implies something is being prepared or made possible.