On these grounds

You usually save this phrase for the end of a list. First, you explain your reasons. You might talk about why a project failed or why a rule was broken. After you have finished listing those points, you transition. You say, on these grounds, followed by your final decision. It works best in writing, but you can say it out loud if you want to sound particularly authoritative. It acts as a bridge between your evidence and your conclusion. It tells the listener, 'Pay attention, because I am about to make my final move.' It is a great way to wrap up a complex email or a formal presentation. Just don't use it to explain why you ate the last slice of pizza unless you want your roommates to think you’ve joined a debating society.

This is a heavy hitter in the world of formal English. It lives in law courts, academic journals, and high-level business meetings. You will find it in the Terms and Conditions that no one reads on apps like Netflix or Uber. It is very formal. You wouldn't use it while texting your best friend about what to watch on YouTube. However, it is perfect for a LinkedIn post about a professional philosophy or a formal letter of resignation. Using it correctly shows you have a high level of English proficiency. It shows you understand how to structure a logical argument. It is the language of professionals. It’s like wearing a tuxedo; it looks great at a gala, but a bit weird at a grocery store.

You might see this phrase in a university rejection letter: 'The applicant does not meet the minimum credit requirements; on these grounds, we cannot offer admission.' Or, in a news report about a court case: 'The evidence was obtained illegally, and on these grounds, the judge dismissed the charges.' In a modern professional setting, you might use it in an email to a client: 'The contract terms have been violated three times this month. on these grounds, we are terminating our partnership.' It’s also common in political speeches when a leader explains a new policy. Even in the world of gaming, you might see it in a forum post where a moderator explains why a player was banned for cheating. It’s everywhere that logic and rules meet.

Use it when the stakes are high. If you are writing a thesis for your master's degree, this phrase is your best friend. It makes your writing sound academic and rigorous. Use it when you are involved in a formal dispute, like a disagreement with a landlord or a HR issue at work. It helps you sound objective and less emotional. If you are giving a presentation to a board of directors, on these grounds adds a layer of professionalism to your recommendations. It is also useful in formal debates or when writing a letter to an editor. Essentially, any time you need to prove that your conclusion is the only logical outcome of the facts, this is the phrase to reach for.

Avoid this phrase in casual, everyday situations. If you tell your partner, 'You forgot to take out the trash; on these grounds, I am not making dinner,' they might think you’ve spent too much time watching courtroom dramas. It is too 'stiff' for social media captions on Instagram or TikTok unless you are being intentionally funny or ironic. Don't use it when the logic is weak. If you only have one small reason, saying on these grounds (plural) sounds a bit silly. It also shouldn't be used for physical locations. You don't stand on these grounds in a park—you stand 'on this ground.' It’s about logic, not dirt! Keep it for the serious stuff.

One of the biggest mistakes is using the singular: ✗ on this ground → ✓ on these grounds. Even if you only have one main reason, the set phrase is almost always plural. Another mistake is forgetting the comma that usually follows it when it starts a sentence. ✗ On these grounds we decided to leave. → ✓ On these grounds, we decided to leave. People also sometimes confuse it with on the grounds that. While similar, on the grounds that is used *before* you give the reason (e.g., 'He was fired on the grounds that he was late'). On these grounds comes *after* the reason. Don't mix them up, or you'll sound like a confused lawyer, which is never a good look.

You might hear on those grounds if the speaker is referring to reasons mentioned a long time ago. Another variation is on the grounds of, which is followed by a specific noun (e.g., 'on the grounds of health and safety'). In legal contexts, you might hear on the aforementioned grounds, which is just a super-fancy way of saying 'the grounds I mentioned before.' If you want something slightly less formal, you could say for these reasons or based on this. In the UK, you might occasionally hear on these bases, but it's much less common. Stick to on these grounds if you want to be safe and sound like a pro.

Is it the same as 'because'? In meaning, yes. But in vibe? No way. 'Because' is a t-shirt; on these grounds is a tailored suit. Does it always refer to many reasons? Usually, yes. The word 'grounds' is plural because it implies a collection of facts. Can I use it in a text? Only if you are being dramatic or very serious with a colleague. Can it be used for positive things? Yes! 'You have exceeded all targets and improved team morale; on these grounds, we are promoting you.' It’s not just for bad news. It's just for logical news.