breaking ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of starting a new project, especially in construction or innovation contexts. Example: "The company is breaking ground on its new headquarters next month, marking a significant milestone in its expansion plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But we were not breaking ground on anything.

The New York Times

We are breaking ground on and about Oct. 1.

The New York Times

All the units sold while contractors were breaking ground.

The New Yorker

The project is still a long way from breaking ground.

The New York Times

He does concede a certain element of breaking ground.

The New York Times

Earthmovers work the perimeter, breaking ground for more dorms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We broke ground recently.

The New York Times

I break ground.

The Guardian

"The Chinese want to break ground yesterday.

The Economist

When are you looking to break ground?

The New York Times

Builders have broken ground on new projects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about new construction or innovative projects, use "breaking ground" to vividly convey the commencement of the endeavor and highlight its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "breaking ground" solely for minor updates or renovations. Reserve it for instances where a completely new phase or project is initiated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "breaking ground" is that of a verb phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense to describe an action in progress or about to begin. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from construction to innovation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "breaking ground" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that refers to the start of a new project or endeavor, especially in construction or innovation. According to Ludwig, it's primarily used in News & Media and Academic contexts, signaling the commencement of significant activities. While versatile, it's best reserved for substantial initiatives, and its alternatives include "initiating construction", "starting a project", and "embarking on a venture". Its frequent usage in reputable sources confirms its reliability and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initiating construction

Focuses specifically on the commencement of a building project.

Starting a project

A more general term for beginning any kind of project, not just construction.

Commencing work

Emphasizes the beginning of labor or effort on a task.

Embarking on a venture

Highlights the start of a new business or entrepreneurial activity.

Pioneering new frontiers

Implies innovation and exploration of uncharted territory.

Launching a new initiative

Refers to the start of a formal plan or program.

Setting in motion

Suggests the beginning of a process or series of events.

Getting underway

Indicates that something is beginning to happen or progress.

Kicking off

An informal way to describe the start of an event or project.

Starting from scratch

Emphasizes beginning something with no prior work or resources.

FAQs

What does "breaking ground" mean?

The phrase "breaking ground" typically refers to the commencement of a construction project, or, more broadly, the start of any significant new venture.

How can I use "breaking ground" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company is "initiating construction" on its new headquarters," or, "They are "launching a new initiative" in sustainable energy."

What are some alternatives to "breaking ground"?

Alternatives include "starting a project", "commencing work", or "embarking on a venture", depending on the context.

Is "breaking ground" only used in a literal sense?

While it often refers to physical construction, "breaking ground" can also be used metaphorically to describe starting something innovative or unprecedented, such as "pioneering new frontiers" in technology.