in the grass

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the grass" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate location, as in "The dog was hiding in the grass." It can also be used to describe a feeling or experience, as in "I love lying in the grass and looking up at the clouds." Here are a few more examples: - The children ran barefoot in the grass, their laughter echoing through the meadow. - The picnic blanket was spread out in the grass, surrounded by wildflowers. - As I lay in the grass, I closed my eyes and let the warm sun wash over me. - The dewdrops glistened in the grass, sparkling like diamonds in the morning light. - Watch out for snakes in the grass while you're walking through the park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Children tumbled in the grass.

The New York Times

Couples picnicked in the grass.

The New York Times

Kids played in the grass.

The New Yorker

Starlings strut in the grass pulling worms.

The New Yorker

There are snakes in the grass.

The Economist

Finger bones were scattered in the grass.

The New York Times - Travel

An octopus gallops in the grass.

The New York Times - Books

Hugo stabbed in the grass again.

The New Yorker

"They made love in the grass.

The New Yorker

Tag lies in the grass looking melancholy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

-- and foraging in the grass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the grass" to depict a scene, describe a location, or add detail to an action. It works well in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "in the grass" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "on the lawn" or "among the blades" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the grass" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location or circumstance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it specifies where something is situated or where an action takes place, for example, "Children tumbled in the grass".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the grass" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe location and setting across various contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and readily understood, making it a versatile addition to descriptive writing. While overwhelmingly found in neutral contexts like journalism, as shown by the numerous examples from news sources, consider diversifying your language by using alternative phrases such as "on the lawn" or "among the blades" to prevent repetition. Being aware of its subtle implications enriches writing while effectively conveying spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the turf

Similar to "in the grass" but may suggest a more managed or sporting surface.

among the blades

Focuses specifically on the individual blades of grass, implying a closer proximity.

hidden in the grass

Emphasizes that something or someone is not easy to be seen.

on the lawn

Refers to a maintained grassy area, often in a domestic or park setting.

nestled in the grass

Highlights the act of being sheltered or concealed by the grass.

in the pasture

Implies a larger, agricultural area covered in grass, used for grazing.

within the green

More poetic and general, referring to any green area.

amidst the greenery

Emphasizes the overall green vegetation, not just grass.

on the sward

A more formal or literary term for a grassy area.

under the verdure

Focuses on the green color and lushness of the grass.

FAQs

How can I use "in the grass" in a sentence?

You can use "in the grass" to describe a location, as in "The keys are "lying in the grass"", or to describe an action, as in "The children played "in the grass"".

What are some alternatives to "in the grass"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on the lawn", "among the blades", or "in the meadow".

Is it correct to say "on the grass" instead of "in the grass"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in the grass" often implies being surrounded or somewhat concealed by the grass, while "on the grass" suggests simply being on the surface.

Can "in the grass" be used figuratively?

Yes, it can be used figuratively, especially in expressions like "snake "in the grass"", which means a hidden enemy or danger.