the very ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a fundamental or essential aspect of a situation or argument. Example: "The very ground of our beliefs is being challenged by new evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Walls, trees, the very ground one trod on, instead of being cool were warm to the touch: and the sense of touch is the most transfiguring of all the senses..

The Guardian - Books

The very ground shimmers anew with every falling drop.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a feeling that rocks the very ground on which you thought we all stood.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very ground beneath our feet makes us vulnerable, Murtagh said.

The Washington Post

Without fishing, these unique cultures lose their root system, the very ground on which they stand.

The Guardian

While the politicians are fighting, the very ground is shifting under their feet.

The New York Times - Magazine

The community remains intact, though the very ground they walk on says nothing is forever.

The New York Times

But the very ground we were standing on belied this sense of tranquillity.

The New York Times - Arts

The irony is that those who inhabit poor regions live on the very ground that is fueling the Peruvian bonanza.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Jung writes on page 102, "A human relationship is not based on differentiation and perfection, for these only emphasize the differences...it is based, rather, on imperfection, on what is weak, helpless and in need of support--the very ground and motive of dependence.

Huffington Post

This research shows that we need to question the very ground-truths that we're using to create and understand geographic data and services: because geographic data has its own uneven geographies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very ground" to emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something. It adds weight and significance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the very ground" in contexts where simpler terms like "earth" or "soil" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of importance or transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very ground" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes a fundamental or essential element. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the very ground" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media and academic writing. While frequently employed, it's crucial to avoid overuse in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. This phrase is most effective when conveying importance, transformation, or a sense of gravity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the underlying foundation

Highlights the base or support on which something rests.

the fundamental aspect

Stresses an important element or feature.

the bedrock of

Emphasizes a solid and stable foundation.

the core essence

Focuses on the fundamental nature or most important quality.

the essential nature

Highlights the intrinsic qualities that define something.

the basic principle

Emphasizes a fundamental rule or belief.

the heart of the matter

Emphasizes the central or most vital aspect.

the crux of the matter

Highlights the most important point of a situation.

the root cause

Points to the origin or primary reason for something.

the gist of

Focuses on the main point or substance.

FAQs

How can I use "the very ground" in a sentence?

You can use "the very ground" to emphasize a fundamental or essential aspect. For instance, "The scandal shook "the very foundation" of the company" or "They defended "the very ground" they stood on."

What phrases are similar to "the very ground"?

Alternatives include "the very foundation", "the core essence", or "the underlying basis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the very grounds" instead of "the very ground"?

While "ground" usually refers to a physical surface, "grounds" typically refers to reasons or justifications. So, "the very grounds" would be appropriate when referring to the fundamental reasons for something, not the physical earth.

What's the difference between "the very ground" and "the ground beneath my feet"?

"The very ground" is often used figuratively to refer to something fundamental or essential, while "the ground beneath my feet" is more literal and descriptive of a physical location. For example, "the very ground" of their argument was flawed, versus, I felt safe on "the ground beneath my feet".