drop to ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop to ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to lower themselves to the ground, often for safety reasons. Example: "When you hear the alarm, drop to ground and take cover immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If in the open during a nuclear attack, a person should "immediately drop to ground and remain in lying position," the advisory said.

The New York Times

The ride's first drop dips to the right, rises up to a 180° turn, and continues down a large drop to ground level.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When hatched, the larvae drop to the ground and burrow under the soil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Horses tumble; warriors drop to the ground.

The New York Times - Arts

The drop to the ground had begun.

The New York Times

Suddenly, chirping, black-capped monkeys drop to the ground.

The New York Times - Travel

The larvae burrow into the tissue and, when mature, drop to the ground to pupate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He shimmied midway down the pine and let himself drop to the ground.

The New Yorker

The eggs hatch into larvae that drop to the ground and become cocoons.

The Economist

She thought he was simply obeying her instructions to drop to the ground when under fire.

The Guardian

The spring upward is a shock, more than her drop to the ground below.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to seek immediate safety, use "drop to ground" to convey urgency and the need to lower one's profile.

Common error

Avoid using "drop to ground" in everyday scenarios where a simple "sit down" or "lie down" would be more appropriate. This phrase is best reserved for situations demanding immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop to ground" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to immediately lower themselves to the ground. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig, such as instructions during a nuclear attack or in simulated combat scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop to ground" serves as a direct and urgent command, primarily used to instruct someone to immediately lower their body to the ground. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and the examples illustrate its use in various contexts such as emergency situations, combat scenarios and safety drills. While it appears across diverse sources like News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedias, it's most effective when conveying immediate action for safety. While grammatically sound, there are other similar words that have slightly different meanings like ""get down"" or ""take cover"", which can be a good alternative depending on the context. Remember to avoid overusing it in less urgent scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get down

A shorter, more direct imperative, suitable for urgent situations.

Fall to the ground

Emphasizes a less controlled descent, potentially implying a loss of balance.

Lie prone

Specifically indicates lying face down, often for protection.

Crouch down

Implies bending the knees and lowering the body, maintaining balance.

Duck down

Suggests a quick lowering of the head and upper body, avoiding a projectile.

Take cover

Broadly means to find shelter or protection, which may involve dropping to the ground.

Hit the deck

An informal, military term for dropping to the ground quickly.

Go to ground

Implies seeking shelter or concealment, as an animal might.

Prostrate oneself

Indicates lying flat on the ground in a gesture of submission or reverence.

Assume a prone position

A formal way of saying to lie face down.

FAQs

How do I use "drop to ground" in a sentence?

You can use "drop to ground" to instruct someone to immediately lower their body to the ground, often for safety. For example: "In case of an earthquake, "drop to ground" and cover your head."

What can I say instead of "drop to ground"?

You can use alternatives like "get down", "fall to the ground", or "take cover" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "drop to ground"?

"Drop to ground" is most appropriate in emergency situations where immediate lowering of one's body is necessary for safety, such as during an earthquake, a nuclear attack, or when under fire.

Is "drop to the ground" or "drop to ground" more grammatically correct?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "drop to the ground" is more common and grammatically standard. "Drop to ground" omits the article "the", making it slightly less formal but still understandable in urgent contexts.