on our soil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on our soil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something occurring within the geographical boundaries of a country or territory, often in discussions about national issues or events. Example: "The recent protests on our soil have sparked a national conversation about civil rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was the only one involving an actual attack on our soil," he said.

The New York Times

JOHN ASHCROFT Attorney General Today America has experienced one of the greatest tragedies ever witnessed on our soil.

The New York Times

He's on our soil.

The New York Times

"This war is not on our soil.

The New York Times

We have a colony on our soil".

The New York Times - Sports

We've never been attacked on our soil.

The New Yorker

"This happened on our soil," Judge Wesley said.

The New York Times

"We don't want them to be here on our soil.

The New York Times

Some of these problems can intrude on our soil.

The New York Times

"We do not want terrorism on our soil," he said.

The New York Times

"This is a tragedy on our soil," Mr Hollande said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on our soil" to emphasize the location of an event or issue within the borders of a nation, often in contexts of national security, sovereignty, or internal affairs. For instance, when discussing terrorist attacks, political debates, or economic activities that directly affect the country.

Common error

Avoid using "on our soil" metaphorically when referring to abstract concepts or non-physical domains. It is best reserved for discussions where the physical territory of the nation is directly relevant. For example, it would be inappropriate to use "on our soil" when talking about a debate within a company.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on our soil" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the location or context of an action or event. It indicates that something is happening within the geographical boundaries of a particular nation. As seen in the examples Ludwig AI provided, it's often used in discussions about national security, political issues, and matters of sovereignty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on our soil" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote events, issues, or entities within a nation's geographical boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in News & Media. Its primary function is to emphasize national relevance, often in contexts of security, politics, or sovereignty. While generally neutral, it can convey a slightly formal tone depending on the context. Related phrases include "within our borders" and "in our homeland", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, focus on its literal meaning and avoid overuse in abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within our borders

Focuses on the boundary aspect, implying control and jurisdiction within defined limits.

within our territory

Highlights the land and area under a nation's control, often in legal or political contexts.

inside our nation

Emphasizes the national identity and unity within the country.

domestically

A more concise and formal way to indicate something happening within a country.

in our homeland

Evokes a sense of patriotism and emotional connection to the country.

on national land

Stresses government ownership or control of land.

within the country

A straightforward and general way to refer to activities or events inside a nation.

on our land

Simple and direct, emphasizing physical presence on the country's territory.

within our jurisdiction

Highlights the legal authority and power exercised within the country.

in our sovereign territory

Underscores the nation's independent authority and control over its land.

FAQs

How can I use "on our soil" in a sentence?

Use "on our soil" to refer to events, issues, or situations occurring within the geographical boundaries of a country. For instance, "The recent increase in cyberattacks "on our soil" has raised concerns about national security."

What does "on our soil" typically refer to?

"On our soil" generally refers to events, people, or items that are located within the borders of a particular country. It's often used in the context of national security, politics, and territorial integrity.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "on our soil"?

Alternatives include phrases like "within our borders", "within our territory", "domestically", or "in our homeland". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, "within our borders" is more precise, and "in our homeland" more emotional.

Is "on our soil" formal or informal?

"On our soil" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news reports, political speeches, and academic writing. Depending on the context, there might be more formal (e.g. "within our jurisdiction") or more informal (e.g. "in our backyard") alternatives.