a rough ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a surface that is uneven or not smooth, often in contexts related to terrain or physical conditions. Example: "The hikers struggled to maintain their balance on a rough ground as they made their way up the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, consideration of a rough ground was not required.

ROBOMECH Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They look as if they were woven from hair-fine brambles, maybe, or done on a ride over rough ground, or in a state of agitation or elation.

The New York Times - Arts

In particular the class of non-stationarity associated with the motion of a vehicle on rough ground (i.e., the process is "frequency modulated" as a result of the vehicle's variable velocity) is of interest.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

When he got to the marketplace, a patch of rough ground bisected by the steeple's shadow, people were still setting up.

The New Yorker

Back in April he transformed a piece of rough ground at the back of his house outside Kilcoo, County Down, into a fruit and vegetable garden.

BBC

In Dhaka, East Pakistan (now in Bangladesh), Harvey made 96 on a matting pitch over rough ground in the First Test, mastering the medium pace of Fazal Mahmood, while his teammates struggled to score.

Wikipedia

36" is his expressionistic study of a nude lying in a circle of light on alien, rough ground, the surrounding darkness broken by a blob of overhead light.

The New York Times - Arts

The rough ground is a great leveller – you won't get above a trot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All-terrain pushchairs usually have three wheels with chunky tyres, and will provide a smooth, comfortable ride on rough ground for babies older than six months.

Independent

John walks through a few simulated searches in rough ground, noting that piles of pebbles can warn locals of hidden bombs ("or turds"); using the BMW to demonstrate checkpoint technique ("basically old-school Northern Ireland-type car searching, which is coming back in vogue"); and dispensing Rumsfeldian principles ("you're looking for the absence of the normal and the presence of the abnormal").

The Guardian - Film

A few metres from the cool store room where the barrels containing vintage port spend their days and years maturing, a digger smooths out the rough ground.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape, use "a rough ground" to effectively convey the uneven and potentially challenging nature of the terrain.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough ground" metaphorically when describing abstract situations. While 'rough' can be used figuratively, "ground" refers specifically to physical terrain. Instead, use phrases like "a difficult situation" or "a challenging period".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough ground" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically modifying a noun or serving as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, denoting an uneven or irregular terrain. Examples show it describing locations or conditions impacting movement or construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough ground" is a grammatically sound and frequently used descriptive phrase used to depict uneven or irregular terrain. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence across news, scientific, and general contexts underscores its versatility. While primarily descriptive, it can also implicitly convey challenges or difficulties associated with such terrain. When employing the phrase, it's crucial to consider the physical context and avoid misusing it in abstract scenarios. Ludwig examples show us that we can also use alternatives phrases like "uneven terrain" or "irregular surface" to get more specific or nuanced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uneven ground

A more straightforward description of ground that is not level.

uneven terrain

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the ground's elevation and texture.

irregular surface

Highlights the non-uniform nature of the ground's top layer.

rugged terrain

Implies a harsh and challenging landscape, often with steep inclines.

bumpy surface

Suggests a series of small, raised areas on the ground.

broken ground

Indicates that the ground is fragmented or damaged.

coarse surface

Describes the ground as having a rough texture to the touch.

jagged landscape

Emphasizes the sharp and irregular features of the ground.

textured ground

Highlights the presence of varied patterns and irregularities on the ground.

uneven footing

Focuses on the difficulty of maintaining balance while walking on the ground.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rough ground" to describe terrain that is uneven or irregular, such as, "The all-terrain vehicle is designed to handle "a rough ground" efficiently".

What is a synonym for "a rough ground"?

Alternatives to "a rough ground" include phrases like "uneven terrain", "irregular surface", or "rugged landscape", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a rough ground" or should I use another expression?

Yes, "a rough ground" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Other similar expressions could be "uneven ground" or "a rugged area", depending on the specific context.

What kind of vehicles are suitable for "a rough ground"?

Vehicles designed for "a rough ground" include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-road trucks, and other vehicles with specialized suspensions and tires capable of handling the challenging conditions.