answer on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answer on the ground" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing practical or real-world responses, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "We need to provide an answer on the ground regarding the community's needs."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

No conventional poll disqualifies an answer on the ground of mere total ignorance.

The New Yorker

The municipal authorities in Amsterdam did not accept his answer on the ground that there was no such profession.

The New York Times

If a question was too specific, she would decline to answer on the ground that she did not want to forecast a vote.

The New York Times

Q. Were you a member of the Communist Party in 1922? A. I decline to answer on the ground that the answer might tend to incriminate me.

The New York Times

When you wrote this short story, "Night Shade," were you a member of the Communist Party? A. I decline to answer on the ground the answer may tend to incriminate me.

The New York Times

Q. Are you a member of the Communist Party today? A. I decline to answer on the ground that the answer would tend to incriminate me, pleading my rights under the Fifth Amendment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

HENDRIK HERTZBERG: We refuse to answer on the grounds that it may tend to incriminate us.

The New Yorker

AULETTA: I'm not going to answer, on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

The New Yorker

"I refuse to answer on the grounds that I might inseminate myself," retorted Arthur.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or he could take the Fifth — that is, refuse to answer on the grounds that the answers might incriminate him.

The New Yorker

In January, a Milan prosecutor argued that there was no case to answer on the grounds that what Ms Guzzanti had claimed was broadly "objectively true".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience of the sentence. In general contexts is preferable to use alternative phrases, unless there is a technical reason to keep "answer on the ground".

Common error

Avoid using "answer on the ground" when referring to theoretical or abstract solutions; this phrase is best suited for practical, real-world scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answer on the ground" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often modifying another noun to indicate a response or solution derived from practical experience or real-world circumstances. Ludwig AI notes the phrase's limited usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answer on the ground" is used to describe a practical solution or response derived from real-world experience. Ludwig AI categorizes it as acceptable but notes its somewhat limited frequency. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, emphasizing the need for actionable and realistic solutions. When writing, ensure the context warrants a practical rather than theoretical approach, and consider alternatives like "practical response" or "real-world solution" to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical response

Focuses on the actionable and realistic nature of the answer.

real-world solution

Emphasizes the solution's relevance to actual circumstances.

field-based answer

Highlights the answer's origin from direct observation or experience in a particular area.

on-site response

Stresses that the answer comes from being present at the location.

ground-level solution

Implies a solution derived from understanding the most basic or fundamental aspects of a situation.

hands-on answer

Highlights the direct, personal involvement in finding a solution.

reality-based solution

Implies that the solution takes into account the actual conditions and constraints.

tangible answer

Highlights the answer as concrete and perceptible.

immediate answer

Stresses the prompt availability of the answer.

empirical solution

Stresses the solution as testable and verifiable.

FAQs

How can I use "answer on the ground" in a sentence?

Use "answer on the ground" when you want to emphasize that a solution or response is based on practical experience or real-world observation, such as: "The aid organization needed to provide an "answer on the ground" to address the immediate needs of the refugees".

What can I say instead of "answer on the ground"?

You can use alternatives like "practical response", "real-world solution", or "field-based answer" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "answer on the ground" or "answer in theory"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "answer on the ground" when referring to a solution based on real-world application, and "answer in theory" when discussing a hypothetical or conceptual solution.

What is the difference between "answer on the ground" and "solution in principle"?

"Answer on the ground" refers to a solution that is practical and tested in a real-world setting, whereas "solution in principle" suggests an idea that is theoretically sound but not necessarily tested or implementable in practice.