focus on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is advised to concentrate on the immediate situation or reality, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it's important to focus on the ground and take things one step at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's true, the place is looking much spiffier, as long as you don't focus on the ground floor.

The New Yorker

While most of the artists in the exhibition maintain a focus on the ground, a few consider the earth from above.

The New York Times

The army has mapped out Jewish and Arab enclaves on the West Bank, and the map is starting to come into focus on the ground.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But in terms of what we do, which is we only focus on the ground, people are committed and are still committed because the economic issues and choices are so stark".

The New York Times

The focus on the ground in Oklahoma, of course, will for years to come be on recovery and rebuilding — hopefully with more attention across the region to developing policies and practices that cut losses the next time.

The New York Times

The algorithms proposed in this study focus on the ground stability review process of mobile cranes.

Visualization in Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In these enterprise markets, the company will now focus mainly on transactional businesses such as its Zomato Book reservations engine, with less focus on "on-the-ground community building and marketing activities," Goyal wrote in the memo.

TechCrunch

SPDC regrets that some NGOs continue to take a campaigning approach rather than focusing on on-the-ground solutions that bring societal benefits," said the Shell spokesman Jonathan French.

The Guardian

SPDC regrets that some NGOs continue to take a campaigning approach rather than focusing on on-the-ground solutions that bring societal benefits".

The Guardian

It is encouraging to see that, whilst there are still a few talking shops, an increasing number of these partnerships are focused on on-the-ground water risk mitigation.

The Guardian

It said it regretted "that some NGOs continue to take a campaigning approach rather than focusing on on-the-ground solutions that bring societal benefits".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focus on the ground" to describe a strategy or approach, ensure it's clear what specific ground-level elements are being prioritized. For example, specify "focus on the ground realities" to emphasize practicality.

Common error

Avoid using "focus on the ground" in purely theoretical or abstract discussions where a more specific term like "concentrate on core principles" would be more appropriate. "Focus on the ground" is best when referring to tangible realities or practical aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus on the ground" primarily functions as a directive or descriptive phrase, indicating a concentration of attention or effort. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showing its use in contexts of strategic planning, recovery efforts, or observational practices. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focus on the ground" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that encourages a concentration on practical realities and immediate concerns. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and emphasizes paying attention to what is presently happening and relevant in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in excessively abstract discussions and ensuring clarity regarding which specific ground-level components are being prioritized. Overall, Ludwig affirms that this phrase is effective when used appropriately to direct attention toward tangible and immediate aspects of any situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on the basics

Shifts the focus from a general area to the fundamental elements.

prioritize practical matters

Emphasizes the importance of real-world application over theoretical concepts.

emphasize immediate concerns

Highlights the urgency and relevance of current issues.

address the underlying issues

Indicates a need to tackle the foundational problems.

attend to the present situation

Suggests giving importance to now and what is happening now.

deal with reality

Indicates dealing with practical things.

consider the present facts

Highlights focusing your considerations on current information.

put importance on what is at hand

Suggests the need to focus on available resources.

turn attention to the current situation

Indicates shifting focus to present circumstances.

be aware of the environment

Indicates paying attention to surrounding and practical aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "focus on the ground" to describe an emphasis on practical realities, such as "The organization decided to "focus on the ground" efforts rather than theoretical planning."

What does "focus on the ground" mean?

"Focus on the ground" means to concentrate on the practical aspects of a situation, dealing with the immediate realities and tangible details rather than abstract ideas or distant goals.

Are there any synonyms for "focus on the ground"?

Yes, alternatives include "concentrate on the basics", "prioritize practical matters", or "address the underlying issues", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "focus on the ground"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a shift in attention towards the practical, real-world elements of a situation, especially when contrasting it with abstract theories or distant goals.