falling on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or person that is descending and making contact with the ground. Example: "The leaves were falling on the ground, creating a colorful carpet of autumn hues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He saw people falling on the ground.

The New Yorker

Protesters were falling on the ground, protesters were running.

The Guardian

He went on: "I saw army instructors falling on the ground first.

Independent

But was that the sound of a box falling on the ground – or Chuck?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were shooting guns and yelling, 'Kill the slaves.... ' I saw people falling on the ground and bleeding.

The New York Times

It's pretty easy to fill, sturdy, and the dish at the bottom keeps seed from falling on the ground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"She fell on the ground on one knee".

The New York Times

"You can fall on the ground drinking, and no one will mess with you.

The New York Times - Sports

and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father".

Wikipedia

People fell on the ground... but there was no one to give them a helping hand.

Independent

They were immediately assaulted by the riot police, one young man was pushed off of the roof, fell on the ground and broke his leg.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fall, consider the context and choose more descriptive verbs or adjectives to add nuance. Instead of just saying "falling on the ground", you could say "collapsing heavily on the ground" or "tumbling awkwardly to the ground".

Common error

While "falling on the ground" is grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing monotonous. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "stumbling", "collapsing", or "tumbling" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling on the ground" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence. It typically describes an action, providing information about how someone or something moves. It is also used for scene-setting, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "falling on the ground" is a versatile phrase used to describe a physical action across various contexts. It's grammatically sound and commonly found in news, scientific texts, and general writing. While correct and widely used, it's beneficial to consider more descriptive alternatives to avoid repetition and enhance your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal communication, making it a reliable option for describing events and scenarios where something or someone descends to the ground.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipping and falling

Specifically describes a fall caused by a loss of traction.

dropping to the earth

A more formal way of saying falling to the ground.

tumbling down

Emphasizes a loss of balance and a downward movement.

stumbling to the ground

Implies an awkward or unsteady fall.

collapsing to the floor

Highlights a sudden loss of strength or stability, leading to a fall.

going down

A simple, less descriptive way of indicating a fall.

hitting the deck

An informal phrase suggesting a quick or forceful fall, often to avoid danger.

plummeting earthward

Adds a sense of speed and direction to the fall.

descending rapidly

Focuses on the swift downward motion.

losing footing

Emphasizes the initial loss of balance that leads to a fall.

FAQs

What does "falling on the ground" mean?

The phrase "falling on the ground" describes the action of someone or something losing balance or support and descending to the ground.

How can I use "falling on the ground" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a variety of situations, such as "The child was "slipping and falling" on the icy sidewalk" or "The ripe mangoes were "dropping to the earth" from the tree".

What are some alternatives to "falling on the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "collapsing to the floor", "tumbling down", or ""slipping and falling"".

Is there a difference between "falling on the ground" and "falling to the floor"?

While similar, "falling on the ground" typically implies an outdoor setting, while "falling to the floor" suggests an indoor environment. However, they can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the specific context.