above ground level

USAGE SUMMARY

"above ground level" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is at a higher elevation than the ground, or to specify a certain height, as in "The plane was soaring above ground level at 10,000 feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For a worm's-eye view of the landscape, awning windows are set just above ground level.

The New York Times

Three to six feet above ground level is about the right height for branches to originate.

The New York Times - Style

Most outdoor fireplaces look just like indoor ones, with the hearth conveniently raised above ground level.

The New York Times - Travel

"Everything above ground level froze and fell on the ground," Chief Milano said.

The New York Times

A hammock is just as good for lounging and keeps your nose safely above ground level.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tuff cones are higher and steeper, with craters above ground level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That precaution was for naught, since floodwaters rose several feet above ground level.

The New York Times

Shops even one storey above ground level are usually regarded as commercial suicide, says Wennett: "People thought we were insane".

The Guardian - Arts

Forecasters warned that at high tide, seawater could surge up to 3.4 metres above ground level in New York harbour.

The Guardian

(122 m) above ground level (AGL).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

The AP was mounted 2.5 m above ground level.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing precise measurements, always specify the units (e.g., meters, feet) along with the numerical value to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying '2 meters above ground level', specify '2 meters above ground level'.

Common error

Avoid omitting the units of measurement when using the phrase "above ground level". Always specify whether you're referring to feet, meters, or another unit to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. For example, don't say "the antenna is 10 above ground level"; instead, say "the antenna is 10 feet above ground level".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above ground level" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or noun to specify the location or height of something in relation to the ground. Ludwig shows that it often indicates a specific measurement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "above ground level" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the height or elevation of an object relative to the ground. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in scientific and technical contexts. It is essential to use specific units of measurement for accuracy. Related phrases include "elevated position" and "higher altitude", but they may lack the precision of "above ground level". Common errors include omitting units of measurement. This phrase is a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raised off the ground

Emphasizes the act of lifting something, not just its relative position.

elevated position

Focuses on the state of being raised, without specifying the ground as a reference.

at a certain elevation

More formal and precise way of indicating a vertical distance.

higher altitude

Refers to a greater distance from the ground, typically used in aviation or geography.

at a height

A general way to refer to vertical distance, without the reference point.

over the terrain

Implies a position overlooking the ground, emphasizing the landscape.

vertically displaced

Focuses on the movement away from ground level, more technical.

up high

More informal way to denote vertical elevation, without a specific reference.

aloft

A more poetic and less common synonym for being high up.

off the deck

Nautical term meaning above the ship's deck, similar to above ground.

FAQs

How can I use "above ground level" in a sentence?

The phrase "above ground level" is used to specify a height or elevation relative to the ground. For example, "The weather station was situated approximately 300 m away from the field site, and approximately 21 m "above ground level"."

What's a more informal way to say "above ground level"?

While "above ground level" is already fairly neutral, you could use "off the ground" or "up high" in more casual contexts, although these alternatives lack the precision of "above ground level".

Which is correct, "above ground level" or "above the ground"?

"Above ground level" and "above the ground" are both grammatically correct and often interchangeable, but "above ground level" is more specific and commonly used in technical or descriptive contexts.

What does AGL mean in aviation?

In aviation, AGL stands for ""above ground level"" and indicates the altitude of an aircraft in relation to the ground directly beneath it.