fixed in the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed in the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is securely anchored or immovable, often in reference to objects like poles, trees, or structures. Example: "The fence posts were fixed in the ground to withstand strong winds and heavy storms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There was a well fixed in the ground as a tank with many fountains or faucets bringing forth water.

Columbia University

The car became fixed in the ground many times, and the hero and I had to get out to impel it.

The New Yorker

Usually, the condemned man, after being whipped, or "scourged," dragged the crossbeam of his cross to the place of punishment, where the upright shaft was already fixed in the ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of the churches consist of a wooden skeleton with columns, fixed in the ground, which provided stability to the building and supported the tile-covered roof.

Wikipedia

Second, the subjects were asked to sit in a chair fixed in the ground and to avoid abrupt and severe body movement.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Committee on the Graduate School ultimately resolved that the "Graduate College be fixed in the grounds of Prospect about midway between Seventy Nine Hall and the President's house…" on April 9, 1908.

Princeton University

Surgery was made under deep anesthesia (pentobarbital: 40 mg/kg, i.p. and ketamine: 50 mg/kg, i.m .. Two additional screws were fixed in the frontal bone for ground connection and in the skull over the cerebellum for reference.

Plosone

I wonder if the strange tangential election of their new leader will reinforce that Labour scepticism.Update on Tuesday 28th:Just a quick update, because it is important to fix in place the ground truth close to an event.

The Economist

It is basically composed of found forms visually connected in space: a skinny dead sapling fixed upright in the ground lines up with a nearby construction crane from which the artist has suspended two ladders, which in turn lines up with the form of the Empire State Building seen across the river in Manhattan.

The New York Times - Arts

Macauley (1764) reported the existence of five druidic altars, including a large circle of stones fixed perpendicularly in the ground near the Stallir House on Boreray.

Wikipedia

None of these pasture fences were fixed deep in the ground.

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical installations or constructions, use "fixed in the ground" to clearly convey stability and permanence, such as describing fence posts or structural supports. This phrase is particularly useful in technical or descriptive contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "fixed in the ground" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts like ideas or beliefs. While it can be tempting to use it to emphasize steadfastness, it's generally more effective and clearer to use alternative phrases like "firmly established" or "deeply rooted" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed in the ground" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe the state of being securely attached or positioned. As noted by Ludwig, it correctly conveys the idea of immobility or secure placement. The examples show use across science and news.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fixed in the ground" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing something firmly and immovably placed. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing real-world examples from diverse sources like science, news, and academia. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys stability and permanence. Related phrases such as "anchored to the ground" or "secured to the ground" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. It's best used in literal, descriptive contexts, and less effective in metaphorical applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anchored to the ground

Emphasizes a secure attachment using an anchor.

secured to the ground

Highlights the act of making something firm and unmovable on the ground.

affixed to the ground

A more formal way of saying 'attached' or 'fastened'.

embedded in the ground

Suggests that an object is partially or wholly buried.

fastened to the ground

Highlights a physical connection or joining to the earth.

planted in the ground

Implies a deliberate act of placing something, often something that grows.

rooted in the ground

Indicates deep and stable establishment, often used metaphorically.

stable on the ground

Focuses on the condition of being steady and unlikely to move.

immovable on the ground

Emphasizes the inability to be moved.

stationary on the ground

Indicates a lack of movement, focusing on the state of not moving.

FAQs

How can I use "fixed in the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "fixed in the ground" to describe objects or structures that are securely and immovably placed, such as "The pole was "fixed in the ground" to support the tent" or "The monument is "fixed in the ground" to ensure it remains stable".

What are some alternatives to "fixed in the ground"?

Alternatives include "anchored to the ground", "secured to the ground", or "embedded in the ground". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "fixed to the ground" or "fixed in the ground"?

Both "fixed to the ground" and "fixed in the ground" are acceptable, but "fixed in the ground" often implies a deeper or more permanent placement, while "fixed to the ground" might suggest a surface-level attachment. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "fixed in the ground" metaphorically?

While primarily used for physical objects, "fixed in the ground" can be used metaphorically to describe something unchangeable or deeply rooted, but this is less common. Phrases like "firmly established" or "deeply rooted" are generally preferred for abstract concepts.