on holy ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on holy ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a place that is considered sacred or spiritually significant. Example: "The ancient temple stood tall, a reminder that we were truly on holy ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"You are going to allow the Muslims build a trophy building there on HOLY GROUND," one e-mail read.

The New York Times

"Standing here on holy ground, it is important to affirm that we respect one another's beliefs," Mr. Stoltenberg said.

The New York Times

For you are standing on holy ground.

The Economist

"We live on holy ground".

The New York Times

So work on the documentary, "Brothers... on Holy Ground," continues, under considerable deadline pressure.

The New York Times

I would just love to know that he cares about what went on on holy ground".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Every year since 1990, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine the fourth largest Christian church in the world, located in New York City's Morningside Heights neighborhood hosts an event one wouldn't expect to witness on holy grounds.

Vice

Life is a mystery and we need to be conscious as Pope Francis constantly says that when we stand before another person we are standing on holy grounds.

Huffington Post

All fallow land is to be ploughed up and a regular system of rotation followed.... Never hide anything, be it weed or no, nor seem to wish it hidden.... Again I assert the Right of Trespass on any plot of Holy Ground which any man has set apart.... Now I am convinced that no one but a Christian can actually purge his land of these holy spots..

Wikipedia

While walking on that holy ground I considered how many birthdays had passed there and how (if at all) they were marked.

The New York Times

The polite, pious rich boy, who had left university without a degree, became neither an intellectual nor a visionary.Pure rage was all he needed, roused especially by the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the arrival of American troops in Saudi Arabia, on the holy ground of the two mosques in Mecca and Medina, in 1990.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on holy ground", consider the specific connotations you want to evoke. Do you want to emphasize religious significance, historical importance, or a general sense of reverence? Tailor your language to fit the context.

Common error

Avoid using "on holy ground" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "sacred", "hallowed", or more descriptive phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on holy ground" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a location that is considered sacred or deserving of reverence. Ludwig provides several examples of its use in describing places of religious or historical importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Reference

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on holy ground" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes a location of significant spiritual or historical importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, predominantly from news and media sources. While alternatives like "sacred ground" and "hallowed ground" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on sacred ground

This alternative shares an identical meaning, simply swapping "holy" for its synonym "sacred".

in a sacred place

This alters the phrase from a prepositional one describing location to a more general statement about being within a sacred location.

on sacred soil

Emphasizes the physical aspect of the ground being sacred, rather than the abstract concept.

on consecrated ground

Using "consecrated" adds a sense of formal religious dedication to the ground.

on hallowed ground

This alternative evokes a stronger sense of historical reverence and deep respect.

in a place of worship

This is a more generic phrase, referring to any location designated for religious activities.

in a temple

This specifically refers to a structure or place dedicated to religious or spiritual practices.

at a shrine

This implies a specific location marked by its association with a holy person or event.

in church

Refers to a specifically Christian place of worship or a Christian community.

in a mosque

This specifically refers to a Muslim place of worship.

FAQs

How can I use "on holy ground" in a sentence?

You can use "on holy ground" to describe a place considered sacred or spiritually significant. For instance, "Standing in the temple, I felt like I was truly standing /s/on+holy+ground".

What can I say instead of "on holy ground"?

Alternatives include "on sacred ground", "on hallowed ground", or in a place of worship depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "on holy ground"?

While grammatically correct, "on holy ground" is most suitable for contexts where reverence or spiritual significance is central. In more casual settings, different phrasing may be preferable.

What's the difference between "on holy ground" and "on sacred ground"?

The phrases "on holy ground" and "on sacred ground" are nearly synonymous. "Holy" often implies a religious connotation, while "sacred" can refer to something dedicated or venerated for secular reasons as well.