ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as either a noun or a verb. Noun: The ground was soaked with rain. Verb: The coach grounded the players for breaking the rules.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That means they have got to be rooted out by ground troops.

The Guardian

So stand your ground, Mr. President, and don't give in to threats.

The New York Times

Related: A new study urges leaving fossil fuels in the ground.

The Guardian

Big shifts have been triggered on the ground, too, with several Hollywood studios getting seriously involved in local productions.

The Guardian - Film

The memo goes state-by-state to lay out the ground game advantage.

The Guardian

Basically, it is good news that Birdman and The Grand Budapest Hotel have performed so strongly: excellent films in that "indie-literate" middle ground that many in the industry have been worrying had been neglected in the general rush to big-budget, big-box-office superhero pictures.

The Guardian - Film

And the constant pursuit of the economic and military advantage and superiority which scientific invention and technology confer is an essential component of a world-view that changes the realities on the ground.

The Guardian

The ground can only hold 11,700 people and it was widely expected work would begin to meet the need for rising ticket demand soon after their first promotion to the top flight.

The Guardian - Sport

How when his glider hit the ground in occupied France at 16 minutes past midnight on 6 June, shaking up the men inside, everything went dark.

The Guardian

Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 10am-2am The birthplace of the "Citywide Special" – an ice-cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam, now available almost anywhere in town – Bob and Barbara's is ground zero for this local "happy meal".

The Guardian - Travel

Weather is glorious once more at the County ground although there was a light frost on the lawn this morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ground" as a verb, choose the correct tense to match the intended meaning (e.g., "grounding" for ongoing action, "grounded" for past action).

Common error

Avoid using "ground" when "floor" is the more appropriate term, especially when referring to an interior surface within a building. "Ground" typically refers to the earth's surface or an electrical connection, while "floor" is the interior bottom surface of a room.

Linguistic Context

The word "ground" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the surface of the Earth, or as a verb, meaning to connect to the earth or to prohibit flying. Ludwig AI confirms these are standard usages. Examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ground" is a versatile word with a wide range of applications, functioning primarily as a noun or a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in modern English, and its prevalence in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times indicates its widespread acceptance and understanding. While generally neutral in register, it can adopt a more formal tone in scientific or technical contexts. Remember to differentiate its meaning from similar terms like "floor" and to choose the right tense for its verbal form. With a "very common" frequency, mastering its usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earth

Replaces "ground" to refer to the solid surface of the planet.

soil

Replaces "ground" to refer to the upper layer of earth in which plants grow.

terra firma

A more formal substitute for "ground", referring to solid earth.

dry land

Emphasizes the dryness of the "ground", differentiating it from water or marsh.

terrain

Refers to a specific area of "ground" and its physical features.

footing

Highlights the aspect of "ground" relating to stability and support.

basis

Metaphorically uses "ground" to mean a foundation or reason.

background

Replaces "ground" in artistic or contextual senses, referring to a setting.

reason

Similar to "basis", it indicates the underlying cause or justification.

electrical earth

Specifically refers to "ground" in an electrical context, indicating a connection to the earth.

FAQs

How to use "ground" in a sentence?

As a noun, you might say, "The tent was secured to the ground." As a verb, you can say, "The pilot was grounded due to bad weather."

What's the difference between "ground" and "soil"?

"Ground" refers to the surface of the earth, while "soil" is the upper layer of earth that supports plant life. So, "soil" is a type of ground.

What are some synonyms for "ground" when referring to a reason or basis?

In this context, you could use words like "basis", "foundation", or "reason".

Can "ground" be used in a figurative sense?

Yes, "ground" can be used figuratively to mean a foundation or starting point, such as "We need to find some common "common ground"" or "This decision is grounded in evidence."