practice on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practice on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to applying theoretical knowledge in real-world situations or environments. Example: "The training program focuses on practice on the ground to ensure that participants can effectively implement their skills in actual scenarios."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Evidence of plans being "robustly put into practice on the ground" was limited.

Independent

If you go to the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area, you see the doctrines put into practice on the ground.

The New York Times - Travel

This is an important step, but there is a difference between declarations of intent and actual practice on the ground.

The Guardian

Ms. Harvey said she "can't disagree with those concerns," but changing "practice on the ground can have far greater impact much more quickly than the political process".

The New York Times

In practice, on the ground, it is messy for the people most necessary for turning a school around — the teachers — and not always fair.

The New York Times

The previous owner was a doctor who had his practice on the ground floor, lived on the floor above it and rented out the additional two apartments.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Despite raising awareness on FGM, the practice persists amongst die-hard traditionalists who justify the practice on the grounds of ancestral beliefs and rites.

Independent

The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into the practice, on the grounds that it may favour Wall Street insiders at the expense of retail investors.

The Economist

Despite the gains made in mobilising communities and raising awareness on FGM, the practice persists amongst die-hard traditionalists who justify the practice on the grounds of ancestral beliefs and rites.

Independent

When, for example, bribery of officials is central to doing business where you are, ought you to embrace the practice as a mark of cultural respect or forswear the practice on the grounds that it is morally repugnant?

SEP

Commentators on the ethics of clinical research tend to be skeptical of the appropriateness of paying research subjects, despite the prevalence of the practice, on the grounds that it might undermine the ethical protection of free and informed consent (Grady 2005).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the practical application of a theory or policy, use "practice on the ground" to highlight the difference between theoretical concepts and their real-world implementation. It's especially effective when emphasizing challenges or discrepancies.

Common error

Avoid using "practice on the ground" when you simply mean practicing a physical skill literally on the ground (e.g., gymnastics). Choose more specific language that clarifies the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practice on the ground" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the practical application of ideas or policies. As Ludwig AI states, it highlights the contrast between theory and reality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practice on the ground" refers to the implementation of ideas or policies in real-world situations, often highlighting the contrast between theory and practical application. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral register. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and used to analyze effectiveness, identify challenges, or emphasize discrepancies. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is consistently used across a range of reputable sources, making it a valuable term for discussing the realities of implementation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real-world application

Focuses on the tangible implementation of a concept or skill in a practical context.

practical implementation

Highlights the act of putting something into effect in a real-world setting.

hands-on experience

Emphasizes direct, personal involvement and active learning in a real situation.

field work

Refers specifically to practical work conducted in a natural or real-world environment, often in research or investigation.

on-site application

Denotes the implementation of a method or skill at a specific location or within a particular environment.

actual practice

Stresses the reality of the application, contrasting with theoretical knowledge.

real-time execution

Highlights the immediate and live performance of a task or process.

practical exercise

Involves a task specifically designed to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled, practical setting.

applied knowledge

Focuses on the use of learned information in a concrete, functional way.

on-the-ground activity

This alternative emphasizes action and presence in a particular location or situation.

FAQs

How can "practice on the ground" be used in a sentence?

You can use "practice on the ground" to describe the real-world application of theories or policies. For example: "The success of the policy depends on its "practical implementation".".

What's an alternative to "practice on the ground"?

Alternatives include "real-world application", ""practical implementation"", or "hands-on experience", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "practice on the ground" or "in theory"?

"Practice on the ground" refers to the actual implementation, while "in theory" describes the conceptual idea. They represent opposite sides of the same coin. For example, there's often a gap between the proposed plan "in theory" and the real-world application of it.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "practice on the ground"?

Use "practice on the ground" when you want to emphasize the difference between an idea or plan and how it actually works out in a real-world setting. It is suitable to discuss how something is translated in real-world application.