more down-to-earth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more down-to-earth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is practical, realistic, or unpretentious, often in contrast to being overly idealistic or lofty. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is more down-to-earth, making it easier for the team to implement her ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

My father was more down-to-earth.

The New Yorker

Deirdre was altogether more down-to-earth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But her motivation was more down-to-earth.

The New York Times

This time around, their expectations were more down-to-earth.

The Guardian

A more down-to-earth addendum followed: "Plus some swelling".

The New Yorker

Bruegel is more down-to-earth - and far less personal.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's a little more coarse, more down to earth".

The New York Times

Puerto Natales felt much more down to earth, and poorer.

The New York Times - Travel

The Wags are a lot more down to earth too.

The Guardian - Sport

This mall is more down to earth than The Westchester.

The New York Times

"My work is more down to earth; it's about society and people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more down-to-earth" when you want to emphasize a shift towards practicality and realism, especially when contrasting with idealistic or pretentious alternatives. For example, instead of saying "His plans were ambitious", consider "His plans became "more down-to-earth" after the initial setbacks".

Common error

While "more down-to-earth" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "more practical" or "more realistic" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more down-to-earth" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a greater degree of practicality, realism, or lack of pretension compared to something else. Ludwig examples confirm usage in describing attitudes, plans, and explanations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more down-to-earth" is a commonly used comparative adjective phrase that indicates a shift towards greater practicality, realism, and accessibility. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While its register is generally neutral, formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "more practical" or "more realistic". The phrase's primary function is to contrast a subject with something less grounded, making it useful for conveying a sense of pragmatism and relatability in various contexts. Ultimately, this expression describes an attribute that is less idealistic, and more focused on reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more practical

Focuses on the practicality aspect, omitting the sense of being unpretentious.

more realistic

Emphasizes realism, without necessarily implying practicality or lack of pretension.

more grounded

Highlights a sense of stability and connection to reality.

less idealistic

Indicates a move away from idealism towards a more pragmatic perspective.

more pragmatic

Stresses a focus on practical results and solutions.

more sensible

Suggests a shift towards sound judgment and reason.

more matter-of-fact

Implies a straightforward and factual approach, lacking emotional embellishment.

more unpretentious

Highlights the absence of affectation or showiness.

more straightforward

Focuses on directness and simplicity in approach or communication.

more unadorned

Emphasizes simplicity and lack of embellishment, often in a descriptive or artistic context.

FAQs

How can I use "more down-to-earth" in a sentence?

You can use "more down-to-earth" to describe someone's attitude, plans, or even explanations. For example: "She had a "more down-to-earth" approach to the problem" or "His explanation was "more down-to-earth" than the theoretical models".

What's a good alternative to "more down-to-earth"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "more practical", "more realistic", or "more grounded".

When is it appropriate to use "more down-to-earth"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a shift or preference towards something being less idealistic, more practical, and relatable. It suggests a contrast with something perceived as less accessible or more abstract.

Is "more down-to-earth" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable, "more down-to-earth" might be considered informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "more practical", "more realistic", or "more pragmatic" depending on the context.