half the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "half the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a portion or share of a particular area or space, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the storm, we were left with half the ground covered in debris, making it difficult to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Add in half the ground hazelnuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet that is only half the ground we defenders of the line must concede, the better to advance.

The Guardian - Books

Brown half the ground turkey with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring occasionally until golden, 6 to 8 minutes.

The New York Times

The government lost almost half the ground it had gained on hospital waiting lists when queues soared more than 36,000 last December, official figures yesterday showed.

The Guardian

Dr. Frieden pointed to studies showing that the average doctor's visit covers only half the ground that it should, and that doctors simply do not have the time to ask all the recommended questions and touch on all the recommended subjects with each patient.

The New York Times

Budavári and Garboden will use half the ground truth data, along with postal service and water utilities information, to train their tool.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Half the grounds are cordoned off.

The Guardian - Music

Half the grounds are wooded and half are formal gardens.

The New York Times

The art dealer Zach Feuer signed a lease this week on half of the ground floor; CRG Gallery is in negotiations for the other half.

The New York Times

Of the $23 billion the United States spends on foreign aid, less than half reaches the ground.

The New York Times

After an hour and a half on the ground, Manning was put back on the plane.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half the ground", ensure the context clearly defines what 'ground' refers to, whether it's physical land, progress made, or a metaphorical space.

Common error

Avoid using "half the ground" when the context requires a more precise measurement or percentage. If accuracy is crucial, use specific figures or alternative phrases like "a significant portion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half the ground" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a portion of a physical area or, metaphorically, a degree of progress or loss. As Ludwig suggests, its usability is confirmed by real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Sport

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "half the ground" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to quantify area or indicate progress. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples across diverse fields, including news, science, and general media. While versatile, it is important to consider context to ensure its precise use and prevent misinterpretations. Alternative phrases, as suggested, can offer nuance depending on the specific meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part of the area

Focuses on a portion of a specific area, removing the ground context.

a portion of the land

Replaces "ground" with the more generic term "land".

a section of the terrain

Uses "terrain" instead of "ground", suggesting a more rugged or natural landscape.

a fraction of the field

Substitutes "ground" with "field", implying a more cultivated or open space.

half the territory

Replaces "ground" with "territory", indicating a broader, potentially political area.

some of the surface

Emphasizes the superficial aspect, using a more generic term for the area.

a share of the premises

Uses a more formal term, "premises", which can refer to buildings and surrounding area.

a segment of the real estate

Focuses on the property aspect, using the term "real estate".

a piece of the property

More informal than "real estate", but still focuses on the ownership aspect.

partially covered area

Highlights the coverage aspect, implying something is spread across the area.

FAQs

How can I use "half the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "half the ground" to describe a physical area (e.g., "Half the ground was covered in snow") or metaphorically to represent progress or territory gained or lost (e.g., "The company lost half the ground it had gained in the market").

What are some alternatives to "half the ground"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "part of the area", "a portion of the land", or "a section of the terrain". The most suitable alternative depends on the specific context. See also: "part of the area", "a portion of the land", "a section of the terrain".

When is it appropriate to use "half the ground" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when referring to lost or gained progress or influence, such as in a business context ("The startup lost half the ground to its competitor") or a political context ("The party regained half the ground it had lost in the previous election").

Is "half of the ground" grammatically different from "half the ground"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "half the ground" is often preferred for its conciseness. The use of "of" is optional in this context and doesn't significantly alter the meaning.