broken ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken 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 development contexts. Example: "The city held a ceremony to celebrate the broken ground for the new community center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Builders have broken ground on new projects.

The New York Times

But neither company has yet broken ground.

The New York Times

Mr. Verrilli has at times broken ground by raising new legal theories.

The New York Times

Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management has broken ground on a new home.

The Economist

It has broken ground on a big expansion to its campus.

The Economist

Mostly, though, the winnowing process combines measured judgments about accomplishment — who has broken ground?

The New York Times

In addition, developers have broken ground on a new retail building just across from the Pathmark.

The New York Times

Recently, builders have broken ground for the new Manchester-based National Graphene Institute.

The Guardian

"There was an agreement on a shopping mall that hasn't broken ground yet.

The New York Times

Deutsche Telekom in Germany and Telstra in Australia have also broken ground at home.

The Guardian - Business

The Guggenheim, which was supposed to be completed in 2013, has not yet broken ground.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broken ground" when referring to the commencement of a construction project or the beginning of a significant endeavor. It often implies a tangible start, such as the physical act of digging or building.

Common error

Avoid using "broken ground" solely in abstract contexts where the project's start isn't physically marked. For purely conceptual beginnings, consider alternatives like "initiated" or "launched".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice to describe the commencement of a construction or development project. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broken ground" is a widely used verb phrase that signifies the start of a construction or development project. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common occurrence, particularly in news and media contexts. While "broken ground" primarily denotes a physical commencement, it's crucial to avoid using it in purely abstract senses. Alternatives like "initiated development" or "commenced construction" offer similar meanings and may be appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey. With a strong presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist, "broken ground" remains a versatile and relevant phrase for describing new beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commenced construction

Focuses specifically on the commencement of building or infrastructure projects.

started building

Highlights the initiation of a construction process.

began construction

Emphasizes the beginning phase of a construction endeavor.

launched construction

Highlights the formal commencement or launching of construction.

initiated development

Indicates the start of a broader development project, not necessarily limited to construction.

undertook building

Focuses on taking on a building project.

pioneered advancements

Implies the act of being the first to make progress in a new area.

inaugurated building

Implies a formal start to building.

advanced development

Suggests the promotion of progress in development.

commenced work

Highlights beginning a particular work.

FAQs

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

You can use "broken ground" to describe the start of a construction project, as in "The company has "broken ground" on its new headquarters". It can also refer to starting something new or innovative.

What does it mean to say someone has "broken ground"?

When someone has "broken ground", it signifies that they have initiated a significant project or undertaking, often in the context of construction or development. It implies the commencement of a new phase or endeavor.

Is there a difference between "breaking ground" and "groundbreaking"?

"Breaking ground" refers to the physical act of starting construction, while "groundbreaking" can also describe something that is innovative or revolutionary. Groundbreaking has a broader range of application.

What are some alternatives to using "broken ground" in writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "commenced construction", "initiated development", or "started building" as alternatives to "broken ground".