dry land

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dry land" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to land that is not covered by water, often in contrast to bodies of water like oceans, lakes, or rivers. Example: "After days at sea, we were relieved to finally spot dry land on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

at least on dry land.

University of California, Berkeley

Now the site is dry land.

Independent

Prefer to watch from dry land?

The New York Times - Travel

Doctor's orders: two weeks on dry land.

The Guardian - Film

He was on dry land again.

The Guardian - Books

On dry land, it is more or less de rigueur.

The Economist

"That place sat on dry land once, too".

The New York Times

But there's plenty to do on dry land, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a bone-dry land, water is like liquid gold.

Unicef

For dry-land exhilaration, give a via ferrata a whirl.

Independent

"Dry Land," The Echo Theater Company | Review.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting aquatic and terrestrial environments, use "dry land" to clearly differentiate between areas covered by water and those that are not.

Common error

Avoid using "dry land" metaphorically when simpler, more direct terms would suffice. While creative language is valuable, literal usage maintains clarity and avoids forced imagery.

Linguistic Context

Dry land functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the part of the earth's surface that is not permanently covered by water. This is supported by the examples, which show its usage in contrasting aquatic and terrestrial environments. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dry land" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term for describing terrain not covered by water. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and commonly used phrase, suitable for a variety of contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. When writing, it's best used literally and with an eye toward clarity. While alternatives like "terra firma" and "solid ground" exist, "dry land" provides a direct and universally understood description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terra firma

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic way to refer to solid ground, emphasizing stability and security.

solid ground

Focuses on the firmness and stability of the land, suitable for walking or building on.

on land

A simple alternative that directly contrasts with being in the water, focusing on location.

earth

A broad term encompassing the planet's surface, stressing the general composition and material of the land.

mainland

Suggests a larger landmass as opposed to an island or peninsula, highlighting size and connection.

ashore

Indicates movement towards the land from the water, focusing on the action of reaching dry ground.

high ground

Denotes land elevated above surrounding areas, implying safety or a strategic advantage.

coast

The area where the land meets the sea, emphasizing the proximity to the ocean.

shoreline

Highlights the specific edge of a body of water, often referring to a beach or rocky coast.

bank

Refers to the elevated land alongside a body of water, emphasizing its function as a boundary.

FAQs

How is "dry land" used in contrast to bodies of water?

"Dry land" is used to denote areas not covered by water, directly contrasting with oceans, lakes, rivers, or wetlands. For example, "After the flood, people were desperate to reach "solid ground"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "dry land"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "terra firma", "solid ground", or simply "on land". Each conveys a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "dry land" literally?

Use "dry land" literally when referring to the physical ground not submerged in water. It's appropriate in geographic descriptions, survival scenarios, or contrasting marine and terrestrial life.

Is there a difference between "dry land" and "land"?

While "land" can generally refer to any portion of the Earth not covered by water, "dry land" specifically emphasizes the absence of water. The added emphasis can be useful when comparing the two states, such as life "on land" versus in the sea.