cover the same ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cover the same ground" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to repeating the same discussions, often with the same results, or going over the same topics. For example: "The two sides have been meeting many times but they keep covering the same ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

And he generously quotes people who have tried to cover the same ground before.

The New York Times - Books

After that interview, Murray should call Carpenter's new boss and cover the same ground.

Harvard Business Review

The new injunction and criminal behaviour order made on conviction will cover the same ground.

The Guardian

Together, these three series will eventually cover the same ground as the old BBC version.

The New York Times

He said the court should not "cover the same ground" and become an "entirely parallel investigation".

The Guardian

They go on to cover the same ground of politics and the courts.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is the equivalent of plowing a cornfield, with this difference: a farmer plows his own field once a year, but trawlers cover "the same grounds year round on a daily basis".

The New York Times

The sequel covers the same ground in much greater detail.

Harvard University

(James Oakes' "The Radical and the Republican," from 2007, covers the same ground well, too).

The New Yorker

Much of today's debate covered the same ground as the candidates' television ads.

The New York Times

The somber American cold warrior George Kennan covered the same ground in seven decades of journals.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cover the same ground" when you want to emphasize that an activity or discussion is unnecessarily repetitive and lacks new information or progress.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "cover the same ground" when the repetition is intentional for emphasis or clarity. The phrase often carries a negative connotation of unnecessary repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cover the same ground" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of revisiting or repeating previously discussed topics or information. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, often implying redundancy or a lack of progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cover the same ground" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of repeating information or actions, often implying a lack of progress or efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it when repetition is intentional or necessary for emphasis. Alternatives include "rehash old material" and "retread familiar territory". Overall, "cover the same ground" serves as a useful phrase to denote redundancy in various communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go over the same material

Emphasizes the act of reviewing or repeating information.

revisit the same topics

Focuses on the act of returning to previously discussed subjects.

retread familiar territory

Implies revisiting well-known subjects or areas of knowledge.

rehash old material

Focuses on the repetition of previously discussed information or content.

reiterate previous points

Highlights the act of restating or emphasizing earlier arguments or ideas.

overlap in content

Indicates similarity or redundancy in the subject matter being presented.

duplicate efforts

Highlights the unnecessary repetition of work or activities.

plow the same furrow

Emphasizes repetitive action with little or no progress

beat a dead horse

To dwell on a subject that is already decided or closed.

go around in circles

Implies repetitive action with no progress or outcome

FAQs

How can I use "cover the same ground" in a sentence?

You can use "cover the same ground" to describe situations where topics or information are being repeated unnecessarily. For example, "The meeting was unproductive because we kept covering the same ground."

What does it mean to "cover the same ground"?

To "cover the same ground" means to repeat the same topics, information, or activities, often without making progress or adding new insights. It implies a sense of redundancy or inefficiency.

Which is a better phrase, "cover the same ground" or "explore new territory"?

The choice depends on the context. "Cover the same ground" suggests repetition, while "explore new territory" suggests innovation and discovery. They are essentially opposites.

What are some alternatives to "cover the same ground"?

You can use alternatives like "rehash old material", "retread familiar territory", or "go over the same material" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.