been on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been physically present in a specific location or situation, often in the context of experiencing or observing events firsthand. Example: "As a journalist, I have been on the ground in various conflict zones to report on the realities faced by the local population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have been on the ground from day one providing aid where others don't or cannot do it.

Independent

Just one bump and I would have been on the ground".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I would have been on the ground".

The New York Times - Sports

"Who's been on the ground, in the field?

The New York Times - Health

His only difficulties have been on the ground, he said.

The New York Times

"We've been on the ground and done it.

The New York Times

They must have been on the ground beside him.

The New Yorker

The international team, led by a Dutch diplomat, has been on the ground since early October.

The New York Times

We have been on the ground before and throughout the crisis.

The Guardian

It's because they've been on the ground, because they know what's important.

The New Yorker

Members of Obama's team had been on the ground in Ohio for years.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been on the ground" to emphasize direct involvement or presence in a specific situation or location, especially when highlighting practical experience or firsthand knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "been on the ground" in purely abstract or metaphorical contexts where physical presence isn't implied. For example, instead of saying "Our strategy has been on the ground for months without success", consider "Our strategy has been in place for months without success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been on the ground" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating physical presence or direct involvement in a particular location or situation. Ludwig examples show it describing aid workers, journalists, and military personnel.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been on the ground" is a common expression used to emphasize physical presence, direct involvement, or firsthand knowledge in a specific situation or location. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific reporting. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in purely abstract situations. Alternatives such as "present on site" or "having firsthand experience" may be more appropriate in certain formal settings. When it comes to deciding if you should use it, keep in mind that its presence on authoritative sources indicates its wide acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present on site

Focuses on the physical presence at a particular location.

involved firsthand

Highlights direct participation and personal experience.

active in the field

Emphasizes engagement in practical work or operations.

personally experiencing

Stresses the individual's direct sensory input.

having direct contact

Implies interaction and communication.

having local knowledge

Emphasizes familiarity with area's specific details.

being well-acquainted

Highlights familiarity and understanding.

having firsthand experience

Focuses on the direct personal involvement and knowledge gained.

possessing practical expertise

Emphasizes the applied knowledge and skills.

being fundamentally aware

Highlights a deep, foundational understanding.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has "been on the ground"?

It means they have been physically present in a specific location, often implying they have firsthand experience or knowledge of the situation there.

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

You can use it to emphasize direct involvement or presence, such as, "The aid workers have "been present on site" since the disaster struck."

What are some alternatives to "been on the ground"?

Alternatives include "involved firsthand", "active in the field", or "having direct contact", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "been on the ground" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing direct involvement or experience. However, consider alternatives like "having firsthand experience" for a more refined tone.