on stable ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on stable ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is secure, reliable, or well-founded, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After months of uncertainty, the company is finally on stable ground and ready to expand its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Because Democrats are obsessed with hating Donald Trump and forgotten that there is a country to run, plus, Donald Trump and the R's have gotten this economy back on stable ground and growing," one respondent said.

The Washington Post

To date, SpaceX has completed two successful rocket recoveries on a drone ship and one rocket recovery on a landing pad on stable ground.

TechCrunch

Once students feel like they are on stable ground, the real work (and, ideally, fun) of high school begins.

The Washington Post

Two box cars were on stable ground and five dangled from the bridge, which is over Mantua Creek.

The New York Times

Once on stable ground, I sat on a small grassy rise, face in hands, eyes closed, to compose my brain and my belly.

The New York Times - Travel

The Americans are back on stable ground but not out of danger, needing to accumulate points in most of their last four qualifiers this fall.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

By the time the band found itself on somewhat stable ground in the early 80s Black Flag's reputation had grown, for better and worse.

Vice

However, because of their highly unstable nature, people seeking muscular strength and CNS improvements, should just train on a stable ground.

WikiHow

But if the housing market was gaining ground on stable footing, then why is it that first-time home buyers and owner occupiers aren't participating.

Huffington Post

The UK is on less stable ground – the "unwritten constitution" lacks clarity on this subject, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act allows courts to order companies to surrender their cryptographic keys (for the purposes of decrypting evidence, though perhaps a judge could be convinced to equate providing evidence with signing a message).

The Guardian - Tech

Or is there some inherent formal difficulty in making jokes — which often depend on the stable ground of shared references — through images?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on stable ground" when you want to convey that a situation or entity has overcome initial difficulties and is now secure and likely to continue successfully. It's suitable for describing economies, projects, relationships, or even personal well-being.

Common error

While "on stable ground" can be used literally to describe a physical location, overuse can make your writing sound uninspired. Consider more descriptive language to specify what makes the ground "stable", or if you mean it figuratively, use synonyms like "on solid footing" or "in a secure position" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on stable ground" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a state of security, reliability, or being well-established. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on stable ground" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of security and reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it's crucial to avoid overuse in literal contexts and consider synonyms like "on solid footing" or "in a secure position" for variety. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, aiming to provide assurance in the stability of a particular situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on solid footing

Emphasizes a firm and reliable foundation or basis.

on firm ground

Similar to 'on solid footing', it highlights the idea of a secure and unshakeable position.

in a secure position

Focuses on the safety and stability of one's current standing.

in a strong position

Indicates a state of advantage and resilience.

on a sound basis

Highlights the well-founded and reliable nature of something.

on even keel

Suggests a state of balance and stability, often used in a figurative sense.

well-established

Emphasizes the long-term and secure nature of something.

in a stable state

Directly refers to the condition of being steady and unchanging.

out of the woods

Indicates that a difficult or dangerous situation has been overcome.

in the clear

Suggests freedom from danger or suspicion.

FAQs

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

You can use "on stable ground" to describe a situation or entity that has become secure or reliable, for example: "After the restructuring, the company is finally "on stable ground"." or "With the new treatment, his health is "on stable ground" now".

What's a good alternative to saying "on stable ground"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "on stable ground" with phrases like "on solid footing", "in a secure position", or "well established".

Is "on stable ground" a formal or informal expression?

"On stable ground" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "on stable ground"?

It may be inappropriate to use "on stable ground" in contexts where extreme precision is needed, such as in highly technical or scientific writing where a more specific descriptor would be more suitable. Additionally, avoid using it literally if the description is bland.