be down-to-earth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be down-to-earth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is practical, realistic, and unpretentious in their attitude or behavior. Example: "Despite her fame, she remains down-to-earth and approachable, always willing to help others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Again and again, they seemed to say that ballet could be down-to-earth, ours.

The New Yorker

Trade shows tend to be down-to-earth reminders that not everyone is ready for the latest topper or tippet.

The New York Times - Style

Those who travel to see him say they find Mr. Gore to be down-to-earth, a trait not always associated with him in the past.

The New York Times

I think gastropubs tend to be best when they remember to be pubs as well as gastro, and don't forget they're also supposed to be down-to-earth boozers as well as purveyors of chorizo and purple sprouting broccoli.

Independent

"I'd like to think everything in the film is very real," says production designer KK Barrett, who crafted Her's look to be down-to-earth and familiar.

BBC

Be down-to-earth.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I am down-to-earth.

The New York Times

'She's down-to-earth, totally natural.

The Guardian

"She was down-to-earth," he said.

The New York Times

One film is cosmic; the other is down-to-earth.

The New York Times

Beavan's attitude to the kerfuffle was down-to-earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "be down-to-earth", provide specific examples of their behavior or attitude to illustrate this quality. This adds credibility and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "be down-to-earth" repeatedly to describe the same person or situation. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "be approachable", "be humble", or "be practical" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be down-to-earth" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe a subject. Ludwig provides examples where it describes a person's attitude, behavior, or qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

27%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be down-to-earth" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who is practical, realistic, and approachable. As evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and semantic value. When using "be down-to-earth", it’s important to provide specific examples to support your description, and to avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "be humble" or "be approachable" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unpretentious

Stresses the absence of affectation or grandiosity.

be realistic

Focuses on seeing things as they are without idealism.

be grounded

Emphasizes stability and a connection to reality.

have your feet on the ground

An idiom emphasizing practicality and realism.

be practical

Emphasizes a focus on usefulness and effectiveness.

be humble

Highlights modesty and a lack of arrogance.

be approachable

Highlights the ease with which others can interact with the person.

be without airs

Emphasizes the absence of pretension or affectation.

keep it real

An informal way to express authenticity and honesty.

be accessible

Similar to approachable, but focuses on ease of access.

FAQs

How can I use "be down-to-earth" in a sentence?

You can use "be down-to-earth" to describe someone who is practical and relatable. For example, "Despite her fame, she manages to be down-to-earth and connect with her fans."

What does it mean to "be down-to-earth"?

To "be down-to-earth" means to be practical, realistic, and without pretension. It suggests a person is approachable and relatable, regardless of their status or achievements.

What are some synonyms for "be down-to-earth"?

Synonyms for "be down-to-earth" include "be humble", "be approachable", "be realistic", and "be grounded". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "be down-to-earth" or "be ambitious"?

Neither quality is inherently better. "Be down-to-earth" describes a personality trait focused on practicality and approachability, while "be ambitious" describes a drive to achieve goals. They are not mutually exclusive, and a person can possess both qualities.