get back on land

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get back on land" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to returning to solid ground after being on water, such as after a boat trip or a swim. Example: "After spending the entire day sailing, we were relieved to finally get back on land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I did a Maine to Bermuda race on someone's boat a few years back and I couldn't wait to get back on land".

The New York Times

Then last year, The Shallows amped up the tension with a Cast Away-style set-up, with Blake Lively carrying most of the film while marooned on a reef, hoping to get back on land, while vulnerable to the elements and a hungry, circling great white.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then, after we land and get back on dry land it feels as though I've lived through a kind of certain death and come out the other end.

The New Yorker

Very soon it was time to get back on the ship and the land vanished into the mist again.

The Guardian

Then, and this is important, you get back on the bike just before landing it.

The New York Times - Magazine

It took a bunch of players from faraway lands to help them get back on top.

The New York Times - Sports

You may not get back on the bike while you in the air, then you should throw your bike away and land on your legs/knees.

WikiHow

"We landed, my phone blew up, they told me to grab my bags and get back on a flight to Miami," he recalls.

Los Angeles Times

Get back on the trike.

The New York Times

"We need to get back on track".

Independent

Get back on track.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get back on land" when specifically referring to the relief or anticipation of returning to solid ground after being on a boat or at sea. For instance, "After the rough storm, we were eager to get back on land."

Common error

Avoid using "get back on land" in purely figurative contexts where a simple "recover" or "return" would be more appropriate. This phrase is best reserved for literal returns from water to land.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get back on land" functions primarily as a phrasal verb expressing the action of returning to solid ground after being on water. Ludwig examples showcase its use in both literal and narrative contexts, emphasizing a return to normalcy or safety.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get back on land" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of returning to solid ground after being on water. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, carrying a neutral to informal tone. When using this phrase, consider whether a more formal alternative like "disembark" might be appropriate. To ensure clarity, reserve this phrase for literal returns from water, avoiding overly figurative applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come back to land

A more general way of saying to return to solid ground.

return to shore

Focuses on the act of returning to the edge of a body of water.

go ashore

Emphasizes the action of going from a vessel to the land.

set foot on land again

Highlights the act of placing one's feet on land after being at sea.

make landfall

Describes the event of reaching land after a sea voyage.

reach the mainland

Implies returning to a larger landmass from an island or offshore location.

disembark

A formal term for leaving a ship and going onto land.

step onto terra firma

A more formal or figurative way of saying returning to solid ground.

land

A shortened version, implying the completion of a sea voyage.

revert to land-based activities

Emphasizes the transition back to activities that take place on land.

FAQs

What does "get back on land" mean?

The phrase "get back on land" typically means to return to solid ground after being on a body of water, such as a sea, lake, or river. It often implies a sense of relief or anticipation of resuming normal activities on solid ground.

What can I say instead of "get back on land"?

You can use alternatives like "return to shore", "go ashore", or "come back to land" depending on the context.

Is "get back on land" formal or informal?

"Get back on land" is generally considered an informal phrase suitable for everyday conversation and writing. For more formal contexts, consider using "disembark" or "make landfall".

How can I use "get back on land" in a sentence?

Example: "After spending a week at sea, the sailors were thrilled to get back on land." Another example: "The movie character's only desire was to get back on land after being stranded on a desert island."