moving on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moving on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is physically traveling or operating on the surface of the earth, often in contrast to being airborne or in space. Example: "The rescue team is moving on the ground to reach the stranded hikers in the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

When Burney imitated the sideways leaping of a sifaka moving on the ground, one of the men corrected him, pointing out that he was imitating a sifaka.

Wikipedia

It was able to show a different Doppler effect for a target moving on the ground from the one produced by the turbine's blades, according to Craig Webster, who is in charge of clean technologies at the company.

The Economist

When the president's plane is moving on the ground, the truck is always right behind it.

The New York Times

Ottis Anderson kept the ball moving on the ground for the Giants, gaining 55 yards on 14 carries.

The New York Times - Sports

Vibration from about 2 200 Hz is caused by trains moving on the ground surface or in tunnels.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The second contribution is an extensive experimental study for long sequences of catadioptric images in a context useful for applications: a hand-held and equiangular camera moving on the ground.

Computer Vision and Image Understanding

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I have to move on the ground".

The New York Times

That's the reason I love playing links golf, because the ball does chase, it does move on the ground".

The Guardian - Sport

A new design of quadrotor is then proposed in this paper and allows it to move on the ground for energy saving purposes.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The Jags also got a strong performance from their defensive line, which Green Bay's fairly meek front five was unable to move on the ground.

The New York Times

Even in India, the State Department has ordered the free-standing library to move, on the ground that it does not have enough security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions in a narrative, consider whether "moving on the ground" adds necessary specificity. Alternatives like "traveling" or more descriptive verbs might enhance the imagery or flow.

Common error

Avoid using "moving on the ground" when simpler phrasing suffices. For example, instead of "the car was moving on the ground", use "the car was driving" unless the ground contact is particularly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moving on the ground" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner or location of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and clearly understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moving on the ground" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies the location or manner of movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "traveling" or more descriptive verbs when the ground contact isn't crucial to the meaning. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources, demonstrating its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

travelling on the ground

Replaces "moving" with a synonym, emphasizing the act of traveling.

traveling on the ground

Similar to 'travelling', focusing on the journey aspect.

advancing on the ground

Suggests a forward movement, often with a specific goal or purpose.

progressing on the ground

Implies gradual development or improvement while moving.

operating at ground level

Focuses on the action taking place at the ground surface, often in a functional context.

functioning on the ground

Emphasizes the ability to work or perform a specific task on the earth's surface.

in operation on the surface

Highlights the state of being active or working on the surface

active on the surface

Focuses on the state of being energetic or engaged on a given area

maneuvering on the ground

Suggests skillful or strategic movement.

navigating the terrain

Highlights the process of directing and following a course in the area

FAQs

How can I rephrase "moving on the ground" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "operating at ground level" or "functioning on the surface" to convey a more professional tone.

Is it always necessary to specify "on the ground" when describing movement?

No, specifying "on the ground" is only necessary when contrasting with movement in the air, sea, or another medium. Otherwise, simpler verbs like "traveling" or "advancing" may suffice.

What is a more descriptive alternative to "moving on the ground" for a vehicle?

For vehicles, you can use "driving", "rolling", or "proceeding", depending on the specific type of movement you wish to emphasize.

When should I use "moving on the ground" instead of "walking"?

"Moving on the ground" is appropriate when referring to various forms of locomotion or when the specific method of movement is unspecified or irrelevant. "Walking" is more specific and applies only to bipedal movement.