parallel to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parallel to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or position that is level with the ground, often in contexts related to geometry, physics, or everyday descriptions of orientation. Example: "The shelf should be installed parallel to the ground to ensure that the items placed on it remain stable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make sure your forearms are parallel to the ground.

The Guardian

Be sure to keep the tape parallel to the ground.

Harvard University

If shot parallel to the ground, it would go a much shorter distance, he said.

The New York Times

Notice how often the hands of Angelico's subjects gesture horizontally, parallel to the ground.

The New Yorker

The patterns were mostly parallel to the ground: whirlpools, force fields, tornados.

The New York Times - Arts

"Don't squat so low that you're parallel to the ground," he warns.

Harvard University

Then slowly step the foot back and watch both hips remain parallel to the ground.

Huffington Post

Focus on limiting sidewise motion while keeping the hips parallel to the ground.

Huffington Post

Your thigh should be perpendicular to your torso and your shin parallel to the ground.

Huffington Post

Raise your arms so that they are straight in front of you, parallel to the ground.

Huffington Post

Drop your glutes down so that your thighs are parallel to the ground.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical exercises, ensure that using "parallel to the ground" accurately communicates the required body position for correct form and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid assuming "parallel to the ground" always means perfectly horizontal. On uneven terrain, it refers to being level relative to the immediate ground surface, not necessarily to an absolute horizontal plane.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parallel to the ground" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its orientation relative to the earth's surface. As Ludwig AI also suggests, the phrase indicates that the described object maintains a consistent distance from the ground, without converging or diverging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "parallel to the ground" is a grammatically sound and very common prepositional phrase used to describe spatial orientation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is applicable across various contexts, from providing instructions in fitness and construction to describing scientific phenomena. The phrase's register is generally neutral, and its meaning is clear: something is level with the ground. Common mistakes include misinterpreting the frame of reference on uneven terrain. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "level with the ground" or "horizontal to the ground", depending on the specific context. The high frequency of this term, coupled with its versatility, makes it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level with the ground

This phrase emphasizes the state of being on the same horizontal plane as the ground.

horizontal to the ground

This highlights the horizontal orientation relative to the ground.

aligned with the ground

Focuses on the alignment aspect, suggesting things are in a line relative to the ground.

flush with the ground

Implies being at the same level as the ground, often used when surfaces meet.

in line with the ground

Suggests a linear arrangement that follows the ground's plane.

on the same plane as the ground

A more technical way of saying something is at the same level.

at ground level

Indicates something is situated on the surface of the ground.

lying flat on the ground

Describes an object's position as being spread out on the ground.

coplanar with the ground

A technical term indicating that two surfaces exist on the same plane.

equidistant from the ground

This indicates that all points are equal in distance from the surface.

FAQs

How can I use "parallel to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "parallel to the ground" to describe the orientation of objects, such as "Make sure your forearms are "parallel to the ground" when performing this exercise" or "The shelf should be installed "parallel to the ground" to ensure stability."

What's a simple way to explain "parallel to the ground"?

Simply put, "parallel to the ground" means something is level with the ground, running in the same direction as a flat ground surface without intersecting it. You could also describe it as "level with the ground".

Which is more accurate, "parallel to the ground" or "horizontal to the ground"?

Both phrases are often interchangeable. However, "parallel to the ground" emphasizes the relationship to the ground's surface, while "horizontal to the ground" focuses more on the orientation with respect to gravity. So, if the ground is sloped, "parallel to the ground" might be more accurate.

What are some contexts where "parallel to the ground" is commonly used?

"Parallel to the ground" is frequently used in fitness instructions, construction guidelines, and descriptions of physical phenomena. You might hear it when describing "body squat" form, how to install shelves, or how wind is affecting flames.