drop to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'drop to the ground' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing something that falls to the ground, usually from a higher point. For example, "The apple fell from the tree and dropped to the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

If caught outside, take cover behind anything you can, and drop to the ground.

Harvard University

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

The New York Times

Simulating an assault, they pound up a ridge and drop to the ground at the top.

The Guardian

"The apples would drop to the ground and ferment, and the cows would eat the apples.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop to the ground" to describe a sudden or quick descent, whether intentional or accidental. Consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "drop to the ground" can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider more precise verbs like "descend", "fall", or "collapse" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop to the ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of something or someone quickly descending to the ground. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically sound expression used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop to the ground" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as a verb phrase that describes a rapid descent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across diverse sources – from news and media to scientific and academic publications – underscores its widespread applicability. While it's generally suitable for neutral contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "descend" or "fall" in professional or academic writing, as noted in the writing guidance. Overall, understanding its nuances and contextual appropriateness ensures effective communication. The varied examples showcase the diverse scenarios in which this phrase is aptly used, solidifying its place in common English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall to the ground

Replaces "drop" with "fall", a more general term for descending.

descend to the ground

Uses "descend", implying a more controlled or gradual downward movement.

collapse to the ground

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled fall, often due to weakness or impact.

plummet to the ground

Implies a rapid and forceful fall.

sink to the ground

Suggests a slow and heavy descent.

lower oneself to the ground

Indicates a deliberate action of moving oneself downwards.

prostrate oneself on the ground

Implies lying flat on the ground, often as a sign of submission or reverence.

go to ground

Suggests seeking shelter or hiding on the ground.

hit the deck

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a quick drop to the ground for cover.

be grounded

Denotes being on the ground, often after a period of being airborne or elevated.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop to the ground" to describe something or someone falling or descending quickly to the ground. For example, "Upon hearing the gunshot, everyone was instructed to "drop to the ground"."

What are some alternatives to "drop to the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fall to the ground", "descend to the ground", or "collapse to the ground".

When is it appropriate to use "drop to the ground" instead of "fall to the ground"?

"Drop" often implies a more sudden or intentional action compared to "fall". Use "drop to the ground" when emphasizing the speed or deliberateness of the action, whereas "fall to the ground" is more general.

Is "drop to the ground" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "drop to the ground" might be perceived as less formal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and elevated vocabulary such as "descend to the ground" or providing more specific details about the manner of descent.