leave the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to aviation, sports, or any situation where something or someone is departing from a surface. Example: "As the plane began to accelerate down the runway, I felt a rush of excitement as we prepared to leave the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody wanted to leave the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

His heels do not leave the ground.

The New York Times - Sports

But, in cosmic terms, they barely leave the ground.

The Economist

"You didn't really want to leave the ground," said Botham.

Independent

They also tend to leave the ground below much cleaner.

Cornell University

Yet not a single craft appeared to leave the ground.

The New York Times

I've never been happier to leave the ground.

The Guardian

Mine went straight but didn't leave the ground, bobbling along for barely 100 yards.

Independent

Disqualification will come only if hands leave the ground and feet exit the blocks.

The New York Times - Sports

Some industry experts doubted the investigation will ever leave the ground.

The Washington Post

The Wrights were not even the first to leave the ground in a powered plane.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about aviation, use "leave the ground" to describe the moment an aircraft becomes airborne. It is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "leave the ground" in contexts where a different figurative expression might be more appropriate. For example, instead of "the project left the ground quickly", consider alternatives like "the project gained momentum" or "the project took off" depending on the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave the ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of departing from a surface. Ludwig's examples show its usage in both literal (aircraft taking off) and figurative (projects beginning) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave the ground" is a versatile expression commonly used to describe physical departures from a surface, such as an aircraft taking off, or, metaphorically, the commencement or progression of a project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in various contexts, especially in news and media, where it describes a great variety of situations. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential figurative misinterpretations and ensure that its usage fits the intended nuance. Overall, "leave the ground" remains a clear and effective phrase for conveying departures and new beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take flight

Implies a more active and intentional departure, often associated with flying or rapid advancement.

become airborne

Specifically refers to achieving a state of being in the air, typically after an initial impulse or action.

lift off

Commonly used in the context of aviation, indicating the moment an aircraft ascends.

rise up

Suggests an upward movement, either literally or figuratively, often connoting overcoming a challenge.

ascend into the air

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing a gradual and controlled upward movement.

spring up

Conveys a sudden and energetic rise, often unexpected or spontaneous.

blast off

Typically associated with rocket launches, emphasizing powerful and rapid acceleration.

get off the ground

Means to start being successful.

take to the skies

A more poetic way of saying to fly.

leap into action

Describes the beginning of an activity with a lot of enthusiasm and speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "leave the ground" to describe an aircraft taking off, such as "The plane began to accelerate down the runway before it finally left the ground." It can also be used figuratively to describe something starting or progressing, like "The project is finally starting to "get off the ground"".

What does it mean when something "leaves the ground"?

Literally, it means to become airborne or to rise from a surface. Figuratively, "leave the ground" can mean to start, progress, or "gain momentum", especially after a period of stagnation or planning.

What can I say instead of "leave the ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "take off" (for aircraft), "become airborne" (for general flight), or "get started" (for projects or initiatives). For a more figurative meaning use "gain traction".

Is it correct to say "leaves the ground" instead of "leave the ground"?

Yes, both are correct, but they depend on the subject. Use "leave the ground" with plural subjects or the pronoun "I", "you", "we", or "they". Use "leaves the ground" with singular subjects or the pronouns "he", "she", or "it". For instance, "The plane leaves the ground" versus "The planes leave the ground".