break the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"break the ground" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor for starting something new or making progress. Example: The company's innovative approach to marketing finally broke the ground for a successful product launch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They do more than break the ground plane.

The New York Times

The electronic control module activates a transistor to break the ground circuit leading to each plug's coil, thereby causing a spark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the earliest period of this transition, hoes or digging sticks were used to break the ground where necessary, and planting was probably accomplished by "treading in," a process in which livestock are made to plant seeds by walking over an area where they have been broadcast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That would reverse a decision made after Japan's postwar armed forces were created in 1954 to break the ground forces into several smaller regional commands so they would be too weak and divided to hijack the civilian government, as the Imperial Army did during World War II.

The New York Times

In his office hangs the shovel he used to break the ground for the Reuters headquarters building on the edge of Times Square.

Forbes

Shrewsbury Town are to install extra seating for their League Cup fourth round tie with Premier League leaders Chelsea, which will break the ground record at the Greenhous Meadow.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He recently broke the ground for the construction of a new bridge spanning the Bosphorus.

The Guardian

The writer of "Seven," Andrew Kevin Walker, and Mr. Fincher broke the ground that led to the "Hannibal" climax.

The New York Times

But with a few quakes, the fault continues breaking, the ground jumps several feet and the world shakes in cataclysm.

The New York Times - Science

He started raising money for this railroad in 1872 and broke the ground for the railroad in March 1872.

Wikipedia

Slow and torturous, John threw out more fortune cookie Haiku statements: "The plow breaks the ground in yourself".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break the ground" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to initiating something new or overcoming a significant hurdle. For example: "Her research broke the ground for future studies in the field."

Common error

Avoid using "break the ground" in contexts where a literal breaking of soil is meant if the intent is metaphorical. For example, instead of "The earthquake broke the ground", use "The earthquake fractured the earth" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the ground" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, often serving as a verb phrase. It is utilized to signify the commencement of a new endeavor, particularly a construction project. Ludwig AI confirms that it's commonly used in written English, especially in a metaphorical sense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "break the ground" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the initiation of a project, particularly construction, or metaphorically to denote the start of something new. While Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and commonly used, its frequency is uncommon across various contexts, with primary usage in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. Best practice involves ensuring the context aligns with the intended meaning of starting something novel or overcoming obstacles. Common errors involve misinterpreting the phrase's literal versus figurative application. Related phrases include "begin construction" and "initiate a project". Overall, "break the ground" is a useful phrase when appropriately applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin construction

Focuses specifically on the commencement of a building project.

start building

Emphasizes the action of initiating a construction process.

begin a project

Highlights the act of initiating any type of project, not limited to construction.

initiate a venture

Formal and business-oriented, implying a new business undertaking.

launch a scheme

Suggests a well-organized plan or program is being started.

pioneer a movement

Implies leading the way in a new trend or social change.

innovate a process

Focuses on introducing new and improved methods.

revolutionize an industry

Suggests a major and impactful change in a sector.

surpass limitations

Highlights overcoming obstacles and achieving new levels.

create a precedent

Establishes a new standard or sets an example for future actions.

FAQs

How can I use "break the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "break the ground" to describe the beginning of a construction project, such as "They will "break the ground" for the new stadium next month". It can also be used metaphorically to mean initiating something new or innovative.

What does it mean to "break new ground"?

To "break new ground" means to do something that has never been done before, or to make a significant discovery or advancement in a particular field. It signifies innovation and pioneering efforts.

What are some alternatives to saying "break the ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "begin construction", "start building", or "initiate a project". If used metaphorically, consider "pioneer a movement" or "create a precedent".

Is it more common to say "break ground" or "break the ground"?

Both phrases are used, but "break ground" is generally more common, especially when referring to the start of a construction project. "Break the ground" can also be used but might sound slightly more emphatic or literal.