head to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "head to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to lower their head or position themselves close to the ground, often for safety or submission. Example: "When the alarm sounded, everyone was told to head to the ground and take cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Khune lowered his head to the ground and angrily pounded the field with his fists.

The New York Times - Sports

I basically keep my head to the ground and follow her feet".

Independent

I lowered her head to the ground, and just as I did she closed her eyes.

The New Yorker

Bowing one's head to the ground is, in China, a potent symbol reserved mainly for honoring the dead.

The New Yorker

3. (D) It looked as if all the momentum from frowning at the Federal Reserve caused his eyebrow to detach and head to the ground.

The New York Times

"The covers were probably for kowtowing, kneeling down on your hands and knees with your head to the ground as an act of obsequiousness," Mr. Vollmer said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I was on an elevator with two Malaysian women and we were headed to the ground floor.

The New York Times

"We saw it lose altitude; it chopped off those trees near the hotel and headed to the ground.

The New York Times

But as the worshippers knelt with their heads to the ground, a low keening like the sound of a rushing wind ran through the mosque, and shoulders suddenly shook in grief.

The Economist

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — As more than 5,000 Kurds bent their heads to the ground in prayer on the main square of this provincial capital in Turkey's volatile southeast, the voice of the imam rang out.

The New York Times

So enthralled were the people of Napoli to see European Cup football return after 21 years to Stadio San Paolo, a number of fans headed to the ground at lunchtime for an 8.45pm kick-off.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "head to the ground", consider the context. It can describe a literal action (lowering one's head) or a figurative one (feeling dejected or defeated). Choose the phrasing that best fits your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "head to the ground" when a more precise term would better convey the intended emotion or action. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head to the ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a clause, often describing a physical action or a state of being. Ludwig examples show its use to describe physical actions like kowtowing or being forced down, as well as emotional states. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

22%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

The Guardian

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "head to the ground" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe both literal and figurative actions. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in various contexts. It is commonly found in news and media, wiki articles, and various online publications. While it can denote physical action or submission, it is important to consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed. When a more precise term is available, alternatives like "lower your head" or ""drop to the ground"" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower your head

Focuses on the act of lowering the head, emphasizing the physical movement.

drop to the ground

Emphasizes a rapid descent to the ground, often for safety or protection.

bow your head

Implies a gesture of respect, submission, or reverence.

duck down

Suggests quickly lowering the body to avoid something.

get down low

Focuses on reducing one's profile, often for stealth or concealment.

prostrate oneself

Implies lying face down on the ground, usually as an act of worship or extreme submission.

go to ground

Suggests hiding or seeking refuge, often used in hunting contexts.

look down

Indicates directing one's gaze downwards, possibly due to shame or humility.

dip your head

Highlights a slight and quick downward movement of the head.

put your face down

Implies a more forceful and direct lowering of the face towards the ground.

FAQs

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

You can use "head to the ground" to describe a physical action, as in "The soldier told everyone to "drop to the ground"". It can also describe a feeling of defeat or despair, as in, "After the loss, he felt like "lowering his head" to the ground.

What does "head to the ground" mean?

The phrase "head to the ground" can literally mean to lower one's head towards the ground. Figuratively, it can mean to feel dejected, defeated, or submissive.

What are some alternatives to "head to the ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lower your head", ""drop to the ground"", or "bow your head".

Is it grammatically correct to say "head to the ground"?

Yes, "head to the ground" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in various contexts.