in the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is buried or planted in the earth. For example: "He planted the rose bush in the ground and watered it every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're rooted in the ground.

The New Yorker

Fold in the ground almonds.

The New York Times

"See that hole in the ground?

Independent

A deep gray box in the ground.

The New Yorker

A curious hole in the ground?

Independent

Or, this season, in the ground.

The New York Times

Dead in the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Put $1 in the ground, get $7 back.

The New York Times

11, 2001, New York City in The Ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It grows in the ground.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

No humble pits-in-the-ground, these.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the ground" when you want to emphasize the physical location of something within the earth, whether it's a plant, a buried object, or a geological feature.

Common error

Avoid using "in the ground" when a more precise term is needed, especially in technical contexts. For example, instead of saying a mineral deposit is "in the ground", specify its depth and geological formation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the ground" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs by indicating location or state. It specifies where something is situated, as demonstrated by Ludwig, which shows examples ranging from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the ground" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote the location of something within the earth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting examples from various reputable sources. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to provide spatial context and can be used both literally and metaphorically. While versatile, it's important to consider more specific terms in technical contexts. Alternatives include "buried", "underground", and "beneath the surface". With its neutral register, "in the ground" remains a reliable choice for expressing location in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the earth

A more general way to refer to being located within the planet's soil or terrain.

below ground

Simple directional term for a position lower than ground level.

buried in the earth

Focuses specifically on the act of burying something.

underground

Refers to being located below the surface, often in tunnels or natural formations.

under the soil

Emphasizes the position beneath the surface level of the earth.

beneath the surface

More general, referring to anything below a surface, not necessarily the ground.

interred

A more formal and often euphemistic term for burial.

subterranean

A more formal and scientific term for being under the earth's surface.

planted

Specifically refers to placing seeds, bulbs, or plants into the soil.

in the underworld

A metaphorical reference to being dead or in hell.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the ground" to describe the location of something buried, planted, or naturally occurring beneath the surface. For example, "The treasure was buried deep "in the ground"" or "The bulbs need to be planted "in the ground" before winter".

What are some alternatives to "in the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "buried", "underground", "beneath the surface", or "interred" to replace ""in the ground"".

Is it correct to say "into the ground" instead of "in the ground"?

While "into the ground" implies movement or placement, ""in the ground"" indicates a state of being located there. Use "into the ground" when describing the action of putting something there, and ""in the ground"" to describe its location.

Can "in the ground" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""in the ground"" can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean something is completed, finished, or no longer relevant, similar to phrases like "six feet under". For example, “That project is "in the ground" now, we're moving on to new initiatives.”