Clear ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Clear ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that an area is free of obstacles or distractions, or to signify the need for clarity in a discussion or situation. Example: "Before we proceed with the construction, we need to ensure that we have clear ground to work on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Clear, ground and coated glass samples with a thickness of 6 mm were measured under ambient conditions, with a room temperature of 25 °C.

Materials & Design

It was time to clear ground.

The New Yorker

With the ACA, however, insurers operate under clear ground rules, with clearly defined grades of plan and discrimination banned.

The New York Times

One perched atop the hard hat of a construction worker whose company had helped clear ground zero.

The New York Times

Preparatory work will occupy construction crews for several months, as they clear ground and excavate for new foundations.

The New York Times

When the iron curtain fell in 1989 it brought down a whole ideological construct, leaving relatively clear ground on which to build something new.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

There is no clear-cut ground for the definition of equivalence.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

They complain that they do not have sufficiently clear ground-rules for the green energy projects, clean-development schemes and emissions-trading initiatives on which they have been placing big bets.

The Economist

These are clear grounds for a judicial inquiry.

The Guardian

The stalemate is doubly painful because there are clear grounds for compromise.

The New York Times

The bill makes essential updates to Title 8 United States Code Section 1481, which has seven very clear grounds for which American citizens can lose their citizenship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to construction or land development, ensure that you use "clear ground" to emphasize the initial stage of preparing a site for building or cultivation. This distinguishes it from simply "clearing an area".

Common error

Avoid using "clear ground" interchangeably with terms like "cleared area" or "open space" if your intent is to highlight the preparatory work done for a specific purpose such as construction or farming. "Clear ground" implies intentional preparation, not just the absence of obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Clear ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically refers to the physical act of removing obstacles and preparing an area for a specific purpose, such as construction or cultivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Clear ground" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the preparation of an area by removing obstacles, often for construction or farming. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news, science, and business. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms and consider the specific context to convey the intended meaning accurately. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional, being mindful of the specific audience will help ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clear the area

A more general term indicating the removal of obstacles from a specific location.

Prepare the site

Focuses on the action of making an area ready, specifically for construction or development.

Excavate the area

Emphasizes the digging aspect of clearing the ground, suitable for contexts involving construction or archaeological work.

Open up space

Emphasizes the creation of an empty area, often for practical or aesthetic purposes.

Prepare the foundation

Emphasizes making the base ready, specifically for construction

Level the terrain

Highlights the act of making the ground even and flat, often necessary for building or landscaping.

Clear the path

Indicates removing obstructions from a route or course of action.

Remove obstacles

Highlights the act of taking away impediments, either physical or metaphorical.

Set ground rules

Shifts the meaning to establishing regulations or guidelines, often in a figurative sense.

Establish clear guidelines

Focuses on setting up unambiguous rules and procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "Clear ground" in a sentence?

You can use "Clear ground" to describe preparing an area for building, planting, or other activities. For example, "The construction crew needed to "prepare the site" before laying the foundation."

What is an alternative to "Clear ground" when talking about land preparation?

Alternatives include "excavate the area", "level the terrain", or "clear the area" depending on the specific action you want to emphasize.

Can "Clear ground" be used figuratively?

While primarily used in a literal sense, "Clear ground" can sometimes be used figuratively to describe creating a fresh start or removing obstacles to progress. However, be mindful that the phrase is more commonly understood in its literal context.

Is there a difference between "Clear ground" and "clean ground"?

Yes, "clear ground" implies removing obstacles and preparing an area. Whereas "clean ground" indicates that the area is free from dirt or contaminants. The terms are not interchangeable.