reached the floor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached the floor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has arrived at the ground level or a specific level in a building. Example: "After a long descent, the elevator finally reached the floor where the conference was being held."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It never reached the floor of the Senate.

The New York Times

She alone reached the floor of the studio by coming slowly and backward down a ladder.

The New Yorker

Most such treaties that reached the floor won by overwhelming margins if not unanimously.

The New York Times

I knew this was going to turn out well when my feet reached the floor of the Underground carriage.

The Guardian - Travel

As the last pair from one floor reached the floor below, employees from that floor would fall in behind them.

The New Yorker

Hardly had I reached the floor than the air was filled with gunfire, the staccato of machine-guns and rifles.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Our public toilets are just that — too public; the walls don't reach the floor.

The New Yorker

Senior Democrats said the bill could reach the floor as soon as next week.

The New York Times

As the majority party in the Senate, they could block any bill from reaching the floor.

The New York Times

The bill can and should be improved when it reaches the floor.

The New York Times

They control what legislation reaches the floor and have shown little hankering for reversing the cuts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reached the floor" in a political context, ensure you clarify whether it refers to a vote, a debate, or another procedural step. This avoids ambiguity and keeps your writing clear.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the literal meaning of "reached the floor" (physically arriving at a floor) with its figurative sense (a bill being considered in a legislative body). Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached the floor" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of a movement or process to arrive at a specific level or stage. In legislative contexts, it signifies a bill or nomination has progressed to the stage of being debated and voted upon. Ludwig provides examples of both literal and figurative uses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reached the floor" is a versatile verb phrase with both literal and figurative applications. As Ludwig highlights, it commonly describes the physical act of arriving at a floor level or, more abstractly, the progression of a bill or nomination to the stage of debate and voting in a legislative body. Its frequency in news and media sources underscores its relevance in conveying current events and political developments. While generally neutral, its tone can shift to professional when used in formal discussions of legislative processes. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in written English, emphasizing its role in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made it to the ground

Highlights the successful arrival at ground level, often after overcoming difficulties.

hit the deck

Emphasizes a sudden fall to the ground, often for protection.

made its way to the bottom

Highlights the journey of coming to rest on a certain floor.

arrived at the bottom

Focuses on reaching the lowest point, typically after a descent.

arrived at the chamber

Focuses on arriving in a location for legislative purposes.

touched down

Specifically refers to landing, especially for aircraft.

got to the stage

Highlights progression to a certain point in a process.

attained the level

More formal, indicating the achievement of a specific stage or level.

descended to the studio

Specifies the action of moving downwards to a particular location.

came to a resolution

Indicates a conclusion or decision was achieved.

FAQs

How is "reached the floor" used in political contexts?

In politics, "reached the floor" typically means a bill or resolution has been brought before the legislative body (e.g. House or Senate) for consideration, debate, and voting. For example, "The amendment "reached the floor" after much debate".

What does it mean when something has "reached the floor" literally?

Literally, "reached the floor" describes the physical action of arriving at a floor level, whether by falling, descending, or simply arriving. Examples include: "Her feet "reached the floor" when she sat down" or "The elevator "reached the floor" where the meeting was held".

What are some similar phrases to "reached the floor"?

Similar phrases to "reached the floor" include "arrived at the bottom" (for a literal descent), "made it to the ground" (often after a fall), or in a legislative sense, "came to a resolution".

Which is more accurate: "reached the floor" or "arrived on the floor"?

Both "reached the floor" and "arrived on the floor" are grammatically correct, but "reached the floor" is more common and often implies a process or journey to get there. "Arrived on the floor" is more static, simply stating presence at a specific level. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.