step on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"step on the ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action of setting your foot down on the ground while walking or running. For example, "He quickly stepped on the ground and continued down the path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"When the Africans step on the ground, they are given refugee status.

The New York Times

Worn on the ankle for running, it measures not just speed, elevation and distance, but also cadence (steps per minute), and the impact of your step on the ground - useful for avoiding injury.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you step on the ground with another part of your body touching the car, your body acts as a bridge and electrical current will flow right through you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What we need in the next step is more on-the-ground successes in joint projects, particularly with developing countries, starting with China.

Yale University

Since we could not reach a large overall agreement, perhaps we can reach a smaller one and see if an on-the-ground, step-by-step approach works.

Huffington Post

Diplomatic tensions between the two countries continued to grow after Downing Street disclosed it was considering taking the "unprecedented step" on the grounds that the Spanish action breached European Union law.

Independent

"The British government should take more steps on the ground.

The Guardian

"We observed a truce in summer and took some steps on the ground.

The Economist

And the only way to do that is to take practical steps on the ground.

The New York Times

Israel said its actions would be determined by "steps on the ground".

The Guardian - Opinion

"The British government should take more steps on the ground," the Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or actions involving feet, use "step on the ground" to emphasize the physical connection and interaction with the terrain.

Common error

While "step on the ground" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing may sound repetitive. Consider alternative phrases like "begin fieldwork" or "initiate action" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step on the ground" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe a physical action or the beginning of an activity. It indicates a direct interaction with a surface. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "step on the ground" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase in English. Ludwig AI identifies it as a way to describe a physical action or the commencement of an activity. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears across diverse contexts, with a slight prevalence in news and media. It's advisable to consider alternative phrases for formal writing to avoid repetition. The phrase functions to describe a physical interaction with the ground or to signal the start of something practical. Overall, it is a straightforward and acceptable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set foot on the ground

Emphasizes the action of placing one's foot on the ground, often for the first time in a particular location.

place a foot on the ground

Provides a more literal and descriptive account of the action.

tread on the earth

Implies a more poetic or metaphorical connection to the ground, suggesting a sense of presence or impact.

walk on the surface

Focuses on the act of walking across the ground, highlighting the physical interaction with the surface.

touch the ground with one's foot

Highlights the moment of contact between the foot and the ground.

descend to the ground

Suggests movement from a higher position to the ground.

reach the ground

Indicates arrival at the ground level, often after a descent or fall.

impact the ground

Focuses on the force or effect of stepping on the ground.

return to the ground

Indicates going back to ground level, after having been in the air.

come down to earth

This is an idiomatic expression which suggest that the subject is realizing or facing reality.

FAQs

What does "step on the ground" mean?

The phrase "step on the ground" refers to the act of placing one's foot on the earth or any surface considered the ground. It can be used literally to describe walking or metaphorically to describe starting an action.

What can I say instead of "step on the ground"?

You can use alternatives like "set foot on the ground", "tread on the earth", or "walk on the surface" depending on the context.

Is "step on the ground" an idiom?

No, "step on the ground" is not generally considered an idiom. It's a literal description of an action. Idiomatic expressions with related meanings might include "get the ball rolling" or "hit the ground running".

How can I use "step on the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "step on the ground" in a sentence like, "The astronaut was thrilled to finally step on the ground after months in space" or "Before we could step on the ground, we needed to make sure that the area was safe".