prostrate on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prostrate on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, often in a position of submission or exhaustion. Example: "After the long race, he collapsed, prostrate on the ground, unable to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

As I'm heading towards one of the victims, another one lying prostrate on the ground right next to him takes hold of your arm and pleads: "Doctor I swear I was here before him.

Independent

0 40 Slager reaches Scott, who appears prostrate on the ground.

Independent

In general, the habit of a stem is erect or ascending, but it may lie prostrate on the ground, as in the sweet potato and strawberry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Grohl could be lying prostrate on the ground with gerbils crawling up and down his pant legs as long as he was mic'd up.

The Guardian - Music

He's prostrate on the ground, being kicked from all angles, with some dead-eyed figures at the back of the crowd trying to get at him with baseball bats.

The New Yorker

"The inexperienced are lying prostrate on the ground, exclaiming against the heat, and crying for water," Stanley wrote.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Animals of group ET, ET+EPO and ET+EPO+LY were imposed a treadmill running once a day repeatedly for four weeks at gradient 10% and speed of 30 m/min, simultaneously stimulated by sound, light, machinery until they were exhausted, e.g. unmovable, prostrating on the ground and gasping with no response to evade, which usually took 4 – 5 h.

BMC Nephrology

Then, the person praying continues by bowing low with his hands on his knees,then prostrating on the ground with his forehead, nose, and palms on the floor and his elbows raised, sitting on his knees with his feet folded under him, and finally standing and reciting "Allahu Akbar".

WikiHow

After that, you must prostrate yourself on the ground and pray.

The New Yorker

Monks in claret robes emerge from their morning devotions, while women adorned with beads circle the monastery, then prostrate themselves on the ground.

BBC

Beyond being hard-working, community-minded and committed to peace in his home country and abroad – he prays devoutly with team-mates Sadio Mané and Emre Can, celebrating every goal by prostrating himself on the ground.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prostrate on the ground" to vividly describe a state of complete submission, reverence, or utter exhaustion. Ensure the context aligns with the formal and somewhat dramatic tone of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "prostrate on the ground" when a simpler description like "lying down" suffices. The phrase carries a strong connotation of submission or extreme weakness, so use it only when that nuance is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prostrate on the ground" functions as a descriptive prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, providing details about the position or state of someone or something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it vividly portrays a state of submission, reverence, or exhaustion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

The New Yorker

3%

Encyclopedia Britannica

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prostrate on the ground" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone lying flat, often implying submission, reverence, or exhaustion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly in news media and wiki articles. To enhance your writing, use it judiciously, considering its formal tone and strong connotations. If you need a simpler option, use "lying flat on the ground". Remember, as Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is powerful but context-dependent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying flat on the ground

Replaces "prostrate" with a more common synonym, making the phrase less formal.

flat on the ground

Simplifies the phrase by removing "prostrate" and focusing on the physical position.

lying face down on the ground

Specifies the position of the body, adding more detail.

stretched out on the ground

Implies relaxation or exhaustion, changing the tone slightly.

laid out on the ground

More colloquial and implies a deliberate action of lying down.

spread out on the ground

Emphasizes the expansion of the body across the surface.

collapsed on the ground

Suggests a sudden loss of strength or consciousness.

face to the ground

Focuses on the orientation of the face.

prone on the ground

Uses a more technical term ("prone") for lying face down.

fallen to the ground

Implies a loss of balance or control.

FAQs

What does "prostrate on the ground" mean?

The phrase "prostrate on the ground" describes someone lying flat on the ground, often in a posture of submission, reverence, or extreme exhaustion. It implies a complete surrender or overwhelming weakness.

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

Use "prostrate on the ground" when you want to convey a sense of complete submission, deep respect, or utter physical collapse. It's fitting in scenarios where someone is overwhelmed or intentionally showing deference.

What are some alternatives to "prostrate on the ground"?

You can use alternatives like "lying flat on the ground", "face down on the ground", or "stretched out on the ground" depending on the specific context.

Is "prostrate on the ground" formal or informal language?

"Prostrate on the ground" is generally considered more formal language due to the use of the word "prostrate". Simpler alternatives like "lying flat" are more common in informal contexts.