dash to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash to the ground" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means something or someone falling or moving quickly towards the ground. Example: The child tripped and dashed to the ground, scraping his knee. Another example: The plane's engine failed, causing the aircraft to dash to the ground in a terrifying crash.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Your reply dashes to the ground all hope of unity," replied Gandhi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"After Malcolm was killed, the hope and I were both dashed to the ground," she says.

The Guardian - Books

They will fall by the sword; their little ones will be dashed to the ground, their pregnant women ripped open".

The New York Times

When the cameras were dashed to the ground or drenched by police fire hoses, Mr. Forscher repaired them and sent them back again.

The New York Times

The plaster and styrofoam statue of the "Goddess of Democracy", provocatively put up opposite the Forbidden City just five days before, was dashed to the ground by the invading soldiers.But what price "victory"?

The Economist

They say, once again, that the world we share with our politicians is organised for their convenience, and anything and anyone that gets in the way may be dashed to the ground without mercy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

5 1 Finally he lost all shame, dashed to the ground and trampled underfoot all their precepts, and began to follow in the footsteps of Gaius.

University of Chicago

And expectations have been dashed to the ground.

Huffington Post

A dialogue-free treatise on the fleeting nature of innocence, its wobbly, pastel-hued evocation of childhood still induces a chorus of scraped-back chairs as a million dads dash to the loo on the grounds of having "chopped too many onions".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Time and again, royals and diplomats will timidly "raise concerns", only for strategically useful despots to dash them to the ground in contempt.

Independent

I remove my coat, press it to my cheek (so meaningful, so sincere), then dash it to the ground.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash to the ground" to vividly describe a quick, often uncontrolled, fall or movement towards the earth, emphasizing speed and impact. For example, a football player might "dash to the ground" after being tackled.

Common error

Avoid using "dash to the ground" in overly formal or professional writing, as it can sound too informal or dramatic. Opt for more neutral phrases like "fell to the ground" or "moved quickly downwards" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash to the ground" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe an action involving rapid movement downwards. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and describes something or someone falling or moving quickly towards the ground.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash to the ground" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase that paints a vivid picture of rapid downward movement. Although Ludwig confirms its validity, its usage is currently rare in the analyzed data. Its primary function is to describe a quick descent or impact, often with a sense of drama or urgency. It's generally suitable for neutral to informal contexts, such as news reports or descriptive writing, but less appropriate for formal or scientific communication. Consider alternatives like "fell to the ground" in more formal settings. While versatile, mindful application of "dash to the ground" will improve effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunge to the earth

Emphasizes a forceful and rapid descent, possibly from a height.

fall swiftly to the ground

Highlights the speed of the fall and the destination.

drop rapidly to the floor

Similar to "dash to the ground" but applies to indoor contexts where 'floor' is more appropriate than 'ground'.

plummet earthward

Conveys a sense of rapid and uncontrolled falling, often used in a more dramatic or literary context.

hurry downwards

Emphasizes the rush and downward direction.

descend hastily to the surface

Highlights a quick descent towards a surface. More formal than "dash to the ground".

rush headlong to the soil

Focuses on a reckless or uncontrolled movement towards the ground, typically in a natural setting.

move quickly towards the base

More generic and can apply to various scenarios, not necessarily involving falling.

sprint towards the dirt

Highlights a running movement towards an area of dirt or soil.

careen down to the base

Suggests an uncontrolled and often unsteady movement towards the ground.

FAQs

How can I use "dash to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "dash to the ground" to describe a rapid and often uncontrolled fall or movement. For example, "The wide receiver dashed to the ground after a hard hit."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "dash to the ground"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "fell to the ground" or "dropped to the ground" can be less emphatic.

Is "dash to the ground" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dash to the ground" is generally more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. Formal contexts may require more neutral language.

What kind of imagery does "dash to the ground" evoke?

The phrase "dash to the ground" evokes a sense of suddenness, speed, and potential impact, painting a vivid picture of someone or something rapidly falling or moving downwards.