touch ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something reaching its end or boundary, or being brought down from a higher location to a lower, more grounded one. For example, "I watched as the plane finally touched ground after a long journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Are you guys ready to touch ground?" Mr. Shapiro asked.

The New York Times

LH: He's such a slippery, witty, superficial nut job, his story lines never quite touch ground.

The New York Times

A jumping rabbit stretches forward and lands on its forefeet; generally, both forefeet do not touch ground simultaneously, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Located downstream from the Douglass, it will have a lower profile and will touch ground closer to the river's edge.

The Washington Post

Though the Eagle Express was not a priority vessel, neither was the crew granted permission to touch ground.

The New York Times

Except for designated locations for the vertical poles to touch ground, placing each pole was largely up to the rock climbers.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Touch grounded metal.

WikiHow

The movie never touches ground.

The New Yorker

2 Tornado touches ground at 2.46pm local time, heading north-west.

Independent

When the wheels touched ground and I turned on my cell phone, it was already ringing.

The New Yorker

And then, without touching ground flew back to L. A. in 2 h.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch ground" to describe physical contact with the earth, such as an aircraft landing or someone's feet reaching the ground. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest something becoming more realistic or practical.

Common error

While "touch ground" can be used metaphorically, avoid using it in highly abstract contexts where it doesn't relate to physical reality or practical considerations. Overuse can make your writing sound awkward or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of making physical contact with the ground. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating its versatility in conveying different meanings depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touch ground" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes physical contact with the earth or a return to practicality. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, with examples ranging from literal landings to metaphorical returns to reality. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news media, encyclopedias and wiki entries. When using "touch ground", ensure that the context aligns with its core meaning of physical contact or a shift towards realism, and be mindful of overuse in highly abstract situations. Related phrases like "reach the ground" and ""come to earth"" can offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach the ground

This alternative emphasizes the action of reaching a lower level, specifically the ground.

make contact with the ground

This phrase highlights the act of establishing a connection with the earth's surface.

land

This is a more concise term for making contact with the ground, especially after being airborne.

come to earth

This alternative suggests a descent from a higher position to the ground.

alight

This word is a more formal way to describe the act of landing or coming to rest on the ground.

set down

This implies placing something or oneself onto the ground.

make landfall

Specifically used when referring to reaching land after being at sea or in the air.

get one's feet on the ground

This idiom refers to becoming stable or settled in a new situation, both literally and figuratively.

find solid footing

Suggests finding a firm or stable place to stand.

return to earth

Implies coming back to a grounded reality or physical space after a period away.

FAQs

How can I use "touch ground" in a sentence?

You can use "touch ground" to describe the physical act of making contact with the ground, like "The plane finally "reached the ground" after a turbulent flight", or metaphorically, as in "The negotiations need to "return to earth" and focus on practical solutions".

What are some alternatives to "touch ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "land", "make contact with the ground", or "come to earth".

Is it correct to use "touch ground" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "touch ground" can be used metaphorically to indicate a return to reality or practicality. However, it's important to ensure the context is appropriate and the meaning remains clear.

What's the difference between "touch ground" and "find solid footing"?

"Touch ground" primarily refers to making physical contact with the earth or becoming more practical. "Find solid footing" implies establishing stability or a firm foundation, often in a figurative sense.