get down to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get down to the ground" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something descending from a height, such as a bird flying down to the ground. For example, "The hawk gracefully swooped down to the ground after circling the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They then used blankets as a rope to get down to the ground.

The Washington Post

But legged landers tend to be tippy, and the rover still has to get down to the ground.

The New Yorker

A 3pm start gave them time to knock off work, wash, eat and get down to the ground for the game.

The Guardian - Opinion

She might seem like an awful person to them, but she helps Alicia get down to the ground floor to find her family.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Someone ran at me with a gun drawn, screamed at me to get down to the ground, pushed me onto my knees, and then put my face in the ground".

The New York Times

10.48am GMT Here's a reason to get down to the ground Imagine if they allowed this at the MCG... CA Digital Media (@CricketAus) Fans granted field access during the lunch break #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/66uEByhByD February 13 , 201410.43am GMT The moment of the first session I couldn't help but punch the air as Steve Smith posted his fourth Test century of the last 12 months.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

All I wanted was a hot bath, but I knew I couldn't make it down the three flights of stairs to the room with the tub, and there was no way I could get down to the front desk on the ground floor to pick up a clean towel.

The New York Times

Every time I got down to the farm, it rained buckets, and the ground was like cement.

The New York Times - Style

Many people with limited mobility appreciate a bench seat so that they do not have to get down to ground level in the bathtub.

WikiHow

I am trying on each of the possibilities, what it might be like to be huddled in the back of a plane; to be in an office and catch a half-millisecond glimpse of the plane coming toward you; to be in a stairwell in one of those towers, struggling to get down; to be on the ground, showered with debris; to be home waiting for someone to return.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps you will respond to similar inquiries from members of Congress not enthralled by your high-velocity glibness that does not get down to facts on the ground.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical movement, consider whether the context implies a controlled descent or a sudden drop. Use "get down to the ground" for deliberate actions and consider alternatives like "fall to the ground" for unintended descents.

Common error

Avoid using "get down to the ground" when you mean to convey a return to reality or practicality. While related, the phrase primarily describes physical movement. Instead, use idioms like "come back to earth" or "get real" to better express this shift in perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get down to the ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a physical action of descending to the ground. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to describe the act of lowering oneself or something else to the ground. The many examples show its versatile use in describing various movements and actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get down to the ground" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of descending to ground level. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary contexts are News & Media and general discussions, where it serves to depict physical movement. While it's versatile and widely understood, it’s important to differentiate its literal meaning from metaphorical interpretations like "coming back to earth." Consider related phrases like "descend to ground level" or "reach the ground" for more nuanced expression. Avoiding its metaphorical use when expressing more direct idiom it's highly recommended to use "come back to earth" or focusing on realism, however please make sure those semantic transformations are suitable for the same use cases. Always aim for clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend to ground level

Focuses on the action of moving downwards, emphasizing the destination as ground level.

reach the ground

Highlights the arrival at the ground, omitting the process of descent.

lower oneself to the ground

Emphasizes a deliberate action of bringing oneself to the ground, often suggesting a physical movement.

come down to earth

Emphasizes becoming more realistic or practical, shifting from an abstract to a concrete state.

touch down

Implies a landing, often used in the context of aircraft or spacecraft.

get closer to the earth

Emphasizes reducing the distance to ground/earth.

move toward the floor

Describes the act of approaching the floor, suitable in contexts where 'ground' isn't precise.

fall to the ground

Implies an uncontrolled descent or drop, often suggesting a loss of balance.

go to the ground

Indicates movement or placement on the ground, without specifying the manner of descent.

find your feet

Metaphorically means to become established or comfortable in a new situation.

FAQs

How can I use "get down to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "get down to the ground" to describe the act of lowering oneself or something else to the ground. For example, "The cat stealthily "descended to ground level" to stalk its prey" or "The police officer ordered the suspect "lower oneself to the ground" during the arrest".

What's the difference between "get down to the ground" and "come down to earth"?

"Get down to the ground" typically refers to a physical movement of descending to the ground, while "come down to earth" is often used metaphorically to describe someone becoming more realistic or practical. Use "come down to earth" when the context requires the shift between abstract and concrete situations rather than literal descend.

What can I say instead of "get down to the ground" when describing a literal descent?

Alternatives for a literal descent include "reach the ground", "lower oneself to the ground", or "descend to ground level". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "get down to the ground" in a formal context?

Yes, "get down to the ground" is appropriate in formal contexts when describing a physical action. However, avoid using it metaphorically in very formal writing. In such cases, options like "come down to earth" or focusing on realism may serve you better, but be careful as semantic transformations can occur and they are not always suitable for the same use cases.