ground shaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ground shaking" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that causes a strong emotional or physical reaction, often in the context of significant events or revelations. An example: "The ground shaking news left everyone in disbelief." Alternative expressions include "earth-shattering" and "mind-blowing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Most were delightful if not ground shaking.

The New York Times - Arts

"He was actually on the ground shaking violently," he said.

Independent

"I could feel the ground shaking as they hit.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was actually on the ground shaking violently," Mr Leonard said.

Independent

Data on ground shaking are thus available within seconds of a local damaging earthquake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The devastation of an earthquake is largely determined by the degree of ground shaking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Ground-shaking, meanwhile, was its performance potential.

The New York Times

Shoniwa and Okumu's ground-shaking but hardly groundbreaking piece did benefit from repetition.

The Guardian - Music

I found that the structural supports of evangelicalism are quivering as a result of ground-shaking changes in American culture.

The New York Times

This approach lacks a physical science of building damage that is linked to ground-shaking characteristics.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

The noise is deafening, a manic cacophony of trumpet trills, ground-shaking tuba blasts and booming bass drum.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of events, use "ground shaking" to convey a sense of dramatic physical or metaphorical disruption. For example, "The policy change caused considerable ground shaking within the industry".

Common error

Avoid overusing "ground shaking" to describe minor or insignificant changes. Reserve it for scenarios involving substantial and noticeable impact to maintain its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ground shaking" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a physical phenomenon or a metaphorical disturbance. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it used in both literal (earthquakes) and figurative (political scandal) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ground shaking" is a versatile phrase primarily used to describe the physical tremors caused by earthquakes or, metaphorically, to represent significant disruption or change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. The phrase conveys intensity and impact, with its usage ranging from neutral to formal depending on the context. Related phrases include "seismic activity", "earth tremor", and "revolutionary change". When using "ground shaking", reserve it for scenarios with noticeable impact to maintain its descriptive power. Overall, this phrase is a robust and expressive way to communicate significant physical or metaphorical disturbances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seismic activity

Focuses specifically on the cause of ground shaking, referring directly to earthquake events.

earth tremor

Specifies a minor instance of ground shaking, usually less intense than an earthquake.

earthquake

Highlights the event that causes significant ground shaking, often associated with substantial impact.

seismic disturbance

Emphasizes the disruptive nature of ground shaking, highlighting its impact on stability.

tectonic movement

Pinpoints the geological origin of ground shaking, referring to the movement of earth's plates.

revolutionary change

Shifts the focus to metaphorical ground shaking, indicating transformative societal or systemic shifts.

radical transformation

Similar to revolutionary change, but stresses the depth and completeness of the alteration.

profound impact

Emphasizes the significant effect of an event, whether physical or abstract, that causes widespread disruption.

tumultuous upheaval

Focuses on the chaotic and disruptive nature of a significant event that causes instability and change.

momentous event

Highlights the importance and potential long-term consequences of an event that causes widespread excitement or concern.

FAQs

How is "ground shaking" used in a sentence?

You can use "ground shaking" to describe physical tremors during an earthquake or metaphorically to indicate a significant event that causes disruption or change. For example, "The earthquake caused intense ground shaking" or "The scandal caused ground shaking in the political establishment".

What are some synonyms for "ground shaking"?

Alternatives include "seismic activity", "earth tremor", "seismic disturbance", or, metaphorically, "revolutionary change".

Is it appropriate to use "ground shaking" in formal writing?

Yes, "ground shaking" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific or journalistic contexts, when describing earthquakes or significant disruptions. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the intended message.

What is the difference between "ground shaking" and "earthquake"?

"Earthquake" refers to the event itself, while "ground shaking" describes the resulting physical movement and vibration of the ground. An earthquake causes ground shaking.