pull to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being forcibly brought down or removed from an elevated position. Example: "The strong winds caused the tree branches to pull to the ground, creating a hazardous situation in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The main prey are large herbivores such as deer, elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, caribou, and musk oxen, which they chase, seize, and pull to the ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A confrontation ensued and one young man was pulled to the ground by his hair.

The Guardian

I saw one press photographer pulled to the ground and beaten with sticks.

The Guardian

Some of them don't want to stop and have to be virtually pulled to the ground.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1642, Oliver Cromwell's Puritans shut down theaters, and the Globe was pulled to the ground two years later.

The New York Times

A protester wearing a "Fuck the Police" T-shirt appeared to be pulled to the ground by police and pepper-sprayed.

The Guardian

Despite being pulled to the ground by John O'Shea, Balotelli hooked the ball over his head as he fell and into the far corner of the goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Our victory against terrorism won't be measured in a surrender ceremony at a battleship, or a statue being pulled to the ground.

The New York Times

Another woman, on in-line skates, was pulled to the ground by her backpack by the men, who then desperately tried to pull down her shorts.

The New York Times

If the show Release the Hounds taught us anything, it's that we love watching people from TV being pulled to the ground and savaged by dogs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Donald Trump has accused a reporter who says she was "aggressively" nearly pulled to the ground by his campaign manager of making it up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull to the ground" when describing a direct action causing an object or person to fall forcefully. Consider the context and choose alternatives like "bring down" or "drag down" for more nuanced meanings.

Common error

Avoid using "pull to the ground" in purely figurative contexts where a more appropriate idiom like "bring to its knees" would better convey the intended meaning of defeat or collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull to the ground" functions as a verb phrase describing a physical action. It denotes the act of forcibly causing something to fall or be brought down to the ground. This is supported by Ludwig examples where the phrase describes actions like wolves hunting prey or people being forcibly subdued.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pull to the ground" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a forceful downward action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and notes its usage across varied contexts, including News & Media and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "bring down" or "knock down" exist, "pull to the ground" specifically highlights a direct, physical effort to cause something to fall. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure it fits the intended level of formality and that its descriptive nature aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knock down

Implies a sudden and forceful action resulting in something falling.

take down

Suggests a deliberate act of dismantling or causing something to fall.

force down

Highlights the use of force to cause something to descend.

drag down

Emphasizes resistance or difficulty in the act of pulling.

cause to collapse

Focuses on the structural failure leading to a fall.

bring crashing down

Focuses on the forceful impact of something falling.

topple over

Implies a loss of balance leading to a fall.

wrest to the earth

More dramatic and forceful, implying a struggle.

ground

Simplest form, meaning to cause to touch the ground.

bring to its knees

Figurative, suggesting defeat or submission.

FAQs

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

The phrase "pull to the ground" describes a physical action of causing something to fall. For example: "The wolf can "pull to the ground" large herbivores."

What's the difference between "pull to the ground" and "bring down"?

"Pull to the ground" implies a more direct and forceful action, while "bring down" can be more general, including indirect causes or figurative meanings.

What are some alternatives to "pull to the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use "knock down", "drag down", or "force down".

Is it correct to say "pulled to the ground" instead of "pull to the ground"?

Yes, "pulled to the ground" is the past tense form of the verb phrase. "Pull to the ground" is the infinitive form.