fire on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fire on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to firefighting, military operations, or discussions about wildfires, indicating that there is an active fire present on the surface. Example: "The firefighters worked tirelessly to control the fire on the ground before it spread to nearby homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We carved a bench into one wall, and we built a fire on the ground once, the smoke rising through a hole we'd hacked into the ceiling.

The New York Times

"This unit was engaged in heavy fire on the ground, and they called for help," said one American official briefed on the mission.

The New York Times

But the bigger dragon to slay is the skyrocketing rents of commercial spaces in recent times, spitting fire on the ground on which they stand.

The New York Times

When they got there, the red fir was smoking and there was some fire on the ground, but it wasn't spreading.

The New York Times - Magazine

And there are plenty of peaceful lounging spaces, from the sun-drenched roof terrace to cosy nooks around the log fire on the ground floor.

The Guardian - Travel

"He said, 'The big fire on the ground.' " He didn't say explosion, but it was in my area -- it was at that point the penny dropped, sir".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Cameron said the Loughton amendment was flawed as he appealed to Conservative MPs to hold fire on the grounds that he will introduce the measure through government legislation.

The Guardian

A senior Australian military official, Lt. Gen. Mark Evans, declined to answer questions from reporters about how so many children could die in one attack, or whether the children were killed by shots fired on the ground or whether they died from an airstrike called in by the troops.

The New York Times

Norway, which brokered the deal, will lead an international mission to monitor the cease-fire on the ground.

The New York Times

Mr. Annan recommended that while planning for eventual deployment could go on in New York, none of the basic requirements for deployment -- a cease-fire on the ground, the provision of bases and general cooperation by Congo and the recruitment of troops with "adequate strength, equipment and training" -- had been met.

The New York Times

He'd just been fired, on the ground that he frequently took extraordinarily long lunches.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fire incident, specify the type of "fire on the ground", such as brush fire or forest fire, to provide more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fire on the ground" metaphorically if it could cause confusion. Stick to literal descriptions of fires to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fire on the ground" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a specific type of fire occurring at the surface level. Examples in news articles show its descriptive use in reporting incidents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fire on the ground" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, primarily functioning to describe a fire occurring at ground level. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, where factual and objective reporting is essential. While alternatives like "ground fire" or "surface fire" exist, "fire on the ground" provides a clear and straightforward description. To ensure clarity, it is best to specify the type of fire being described, such as a brush fire or forest fire, and to avoid using the phrase metaphorically to prevent misinterpretations. Overall, the phrase is a reliable and widely understood way to communicate the location and nature of a fire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ground fire

A more concise term referring to a fire burning on the surface of the earth.

surface fire

Focuses on the fire's location at the surface level.

fire at ground level

Highlights the fire's position relative to the ground.

wildfire on the ground

Specifically refers to an uncontrolled fire in a natural environment.

brush fire on the ground

Indicates a fire involving low-lying vegetation.

blaze on the ground

Emphasizes the intensity and size of the fire.

flames on the ground

Focuses on the visible aspect of the fire.

fire burning on the ground

Adds a descriptive element emphasizing the ongoing nature of the fire.

inferno on the ground

Emphasizes the destructive and overwhelming nature of the fire.

combustion on the ground

A more technical term describing the process of burning.

FAQs

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

You can use "fire on the ground" to describe a literal fire occurring at ground level. For example, "The firefighters worked hard to contain the fire on the ground before it spread to the nearby forest".

What are some alternatives to saying "fire on the ground"?

Some alternatives include "ground fire", "surface fire", or "fire at ground level", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "fire on the ground"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media.

What does "fire on the ground" typically refer to?

It usually refers to a fire that is actively burning at ground level, such as a wildfire, brush fire, or structural fire that has spread to the ground floor.