ground
ground — verb
1. the form of the verb 'grind' that you use when you are talking about the past, w
the form of the verb 'grind' that you use when you are talking about the past, with the basic meaning of crushing something into very small pieces using a machine or a tool
Hao had already ground the coffee beans before his guests arrived.
ground as past participle in past perfect tense
The old mill in the village ground wheat into flour every morning.
ground as simple past tense for a repeated action
Emre ground his teeth in frustration when the train left without him.
idiomatic phrase: grind one's teeth = show anger
Freshly ground black pepper gives the sauce a much better taste.
- ground coffee
- ground pepper
- freshly ground
- ground + teeth / one's teeth
- ground + into + flour/powder
- crushed
more general — crush works for any material; grind specifically uses friction
- milled
technical term for processing grain in a mill
- pulverized
more formal and suggests very fine powder
Grammar Patterns
ground + noun phrase (transitive)
ground (intransitive, e.g. teeth grinding)
Usage Note
Only appears as the past tense or past participle of the verb 'grind'. It does not exist as a separate verb meaning — if you need the present form, use 'grind'.
Common Mistakes
2. when a ship or boat touches the bottom of a sea, river, or lake and becomes stuc
when a ship or boat touches the bottom of a sea, river, or lake and becomes stuck there, unable to move anymore
The fishing boat grounded on some rocks near the coast of Kenting.
intransitive: boat + ground + on [obstacle]
The cargo ship grounded on a sandbar off the coast of Keelung.
intransitive: ship + grounded + on [obstacle]
The captain tried to steer away, but the ship grounded on a sharp reef.
After the typhoon, several small boats were found grounded along the muddy shore.
passive: be found grounded
- run aground
- ground on + rocks/sandbank/reef
- be grounded
- run aground
phrasal alternative, equally common in maritime contexts
- beached
usually implies the ship is deliberately or permanently on shore
- set sail
to begin a journey on water, the opposite of getting stuck
Grammar Patterns
ground + on + noun phrase (intransitive)
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (transitive)
Usage Note
Often used in the passive form. The phrasal expression 'run aground' is a common alternative that means the same thing.
Common Mistakes
3. to order that an aircraft must stay on the ground and not fly, usually because o
to order that an aircraft must stay on the ground and not fly, usually because of bad weather, mechanical problems, or other safety concerns
All flights at Songshan Airport were grounded after the earthquake damaged the runway.
passive: flights + be grounded + after [event]
The airline grounded its fleet of small planes for safety checks.
active: airline + ground + aircraft + for [reason]
Heavy snow grounded the rescue helicopters for the whole weekend.
The government grounded all private drones during the military exercise.
- ground + flights
- ground + fleet
- ground + planes/helicopters/aircraft/drones
- be grounded due to + weather/fault/safety concerns
- keep on the ground
periphrastic and less formal
- prevent from flying
explanatory but not a single-word verb
- clear for takeoff
to give permission to fly
Grammar Patterns
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (active)
Usage Note
Subject is usually an airline, airport authority, or government. The aircraft is the direct object in active sentences. Can also apply to drones and other flying vehicles.
Common Mistakes
4. to stop a child or teenager from leaving the house or enjoying social activities
to stop a child or teenager from leaving the house or enjoying social activities as a form of punishment for bad behaviour
Jisoo's parents grounded her for two weeks after she lied about her grades.
ground + [person] + for + [time period]
Mateo was grounded from his video games because he failed his maths exam.
passive: be grounded from [activity]
Sade grounded her son for the whole weekend when he came home after midnight.
The teenagers were grounded for a month when their parents caught them skipping school.
- ground + for + a week/month/two days
- ground + from + video games/TV/phone
- be grounded
- get grounded
- confine to the house
more formal and neutral in tone
- restrict
broader — applies to many situations, not just parental punishment
Grammar Patterns
be grounded + for + time period
be grounded + from + activity
ground + noun phrase + for + time period
Usage Note
Only applies to children and teenagers living with parents or guardians. Never use for workplace discipline or adult punishment.
Common Mistakes
5. to attach a wire between an electrical device and the earth so that electricity
to attach a wire between an electrical device and the earth so that electricity can safely escape if there is a fault in the equipment
The electrician grounded the new water heater before turning on the power.
active: [person] + ground + [device]
All outdoor power sockets must be properly grounded to prevent electric shocks.
passive: must be grounded — safety requirement
Eleni asked the technician to check that her guitar amplifier was grounded.
The repairman showed Iris how the outdoor lamp was grounded to the metal pole.
passive + to [connection point]
- properly grounded
- ground + equipment/device/appliance/outlet
- ground wire
- grounding system
- earth
BrE equivalent — same meaning, different regional term
Grammar Patterns
be grounded (passive)
ground + noun phrase (active)
Usage Note
In British English, the word 'earth' is used instead of 'ground' for this meaning (e.g., 'Is the appliance properly earthed?').
Common Mistakes
6. to base an idea, argument, or belief on a particular set of facts, principles, o
to base an idea, argument, or belief on a particular set of facts, principles, or life experiences — most often used in the passive form 'be grounded in'
Christopher's research is grounded in years of work with communities in Southeast Asia.
passive: be grounded in + [experience/evidence]
The teacher's approach is grounded in the belief that every child can learn.
Professor Saira's arguments are grounded on solid data from five scientific studies.
preposition: grounded on + [data/facts]
A fair society should be grounded in the idea that everyone has the same rights.
- be grounded in + fact/evidence/research/experience/reality
- be grounded on + principles/data/beliefs
- grounded in the real world
- firmly grounded
- well grounded
- based on
more common in everyday speech; 'grounded in' sounds more formal and solid
- founded on
similar register, often used for institutions or principles
- rooted in
metaphorical — suggests deep historical or emotional connection
- unsupported
not backed by evidence
- unfounded
based on no evidence at all
Grammar Patterns
be grounded in + noun phrase
be grounded on + noun phrase
Usage Note
Almost always used in the passive voice ('be grounded in/on'). The active form ('ground something in/on') is very rare in modern English. Use 'base' instead if you need an active verb.
Common Mistakes
ground — noun
1. the solid outer layer of the world that people walk on and that plants, building
the solid outer layer of the world that people walk on and that plants, buildings, and roads sit on, especially when compared with the air above or the water of the sea.
The ball hit the ground with a soft thud before rolling into the bushes.
When the snow melted, the ground turned muddy and slippery.
Birds were pecking at something on the ground near the bench.
collocation: on the ground
The pilot guided the plane down safely and touched the ground gently.
opposition: air vs ground; collocation: touch the ground
Amira lay on the ground and stared up at the stars.
- on the ground
- hit the ground
- touch the ground
- above the ground
- below the ground
Common Mistakes
2. the loose dark or brown material at the top of the earth's surface, where plant
the loose dark or brown material at the top of the earth's surface, where plant roots take in food and water to live and grow.
Otis dug a hole in the ground and planted a small apple tree.
collocation: dig in the ground; plant in the ground
The ground here is too dry and sandy for growing vegetables.
Daichi knelt down and pushed the seeds gently into the warm ground.
After the heavy rain the ground was soft and easy to dig.
The gardener mixed compost into the ground to help the flowers grow.
collocation: into the ground (as growing medium)
- dig in the ground
- plant in the ground
- into the ground
- the ground is dry/soft/wet/sandy
Usage Note
Countable as 'a ground' is rare; usually uncountable. Use 'soil' when focusing on quality or type ('sandy soil', 'rich soil').
Common Mistakes
3. a defined outdoor area set aside for a particular activity, such as playing spor
a defined outdoor area set aside for a particular activity, such as playing sport, parking vehicles, or holding a public event.
The children played football on the school sports ground every afternoon.
collocation: sports ground
Henry parked his car on the hospital parking ground near the entrance.
collocation: parking ground
A large fairground was set up on the empty ground next to the river.
The camping ground had cooking areas, showers, and a small shop.
collocation: camping ground
Darius took his dog to the recreation ground behind the park.
collocation: recreation ground
- sports ground
- camping ground
- fairground
- playground
- parking ground
- recreation ground
Usage Note
Often appears in compound nouns: 'playground', 'fairground', 'camping ground', 'proving ground'. The plural 'grounds' can also mean the land around a large building (see sense 4).
Common Mistakes
4. the gardens, lawns, and outdoor areas that surround a large house, school, hospi
the gardens, lawns, and outdoor areas that surround a large house, school, hospital, or other institution, often enclosed by a fence or wall.
Students were not allowed to leave the school grounds during lunch.
collocation: school grounds
The hospital grounds include a rose garden and a path for patients to walk.
Reema walked through the castle grounds and admired the old oak trees.
collocation: castle grounds
The hotel grounds are beautifully kept, with flowers blooming year-round.
A guard patrols the embassy grounds twenty-four hours a day.
- school grounds
- hospital grounds
- castle grounds
- embassy grounds
- hotel grounds
Usage Note
Always plural ('grounds') in this sense. Refers specifically to the land belonging to a property, not just any outdoor area.
Common Mistakes
5. a reason for thinking or doing something, especially a valid or logical basis fo
a reason for thinking or doing something, especially a valid or logical basis for a belief, action, or a formal decision such as a legal ruling.
The court accepted her complaint on the grounds of unfair treatment at work.
pattern: on the grounds of + noun phrase
Aaron refused the job offer on the grounds that the salary was too low.
pattern: on the grounds that + clause
There are strong grounds for believing that the plan will succeed.
pattern: grounds for + gerund
The doctor had no medical grounds to keep the patient in hospital any longer.
Gabriela resigned from the committee on personal grounds.
collocation: on personal/medical/financial grounds
- on the grounds of
- on the grounds that
- grounds for
- medical grounds
- personal grounds
- legal grounds
- no grounds
- reason
everyday word; 'grounds' is more formal and suggests a legal or official basis
- basis
focuses on the foundation or principle, less common in informal speech
- justification
stronger; implies that the reason is morally or logically defensible
Grammar Patterns
grounds + for + noun/gerund
grounds + that-clause
on the grounds of/that
Usage Note
Usually plural ('grounds') in formal contexts. Used in set phrases: 'on the grounds of…', 'on the grounds that…', 'grounds for…'. In everyday speech, 'reason' is more natural; 'grounds' sounds legal or formal.
Common Mistakes
6. a particular subject, field of knowledge, or set of ideas that someone is famili
a particular subject, field of knowledge, or set of ideas that someone is familiar with or exploring.
The two scientists found common ground in their research on climate change.
idiom: common ground (shared interests/beliefs)
The professor was teaching on familiar ground when he explained ancient Greek history.
The new study covers ground that no researcher has explored before.
idiom: cover new ground
Tamar felt she was on shaky ground when the discussion turned to tax law.
idiom: on shaky/firm ground (level of knowledge)
The report goes over old ground and offers nothing new to the debate.
idiom: go over old ground (repeat known information)
- common ground
- familiar ground
- new ground
- shaky ground
- firm ground
- cover ground
- old ground
Usage Note
Frequently appears in figurative expressions: 'common ground' (shared opinions), 'firm ground' (strong knowledge), 'shaky ground' (weak knowledge), 'cover new ground' (do something original), 'go over old ground' (repeat known information).
Common Mistakes
7. the level of public acceptance or support that an idea, belief, or political gro
the level of public acceptance or support that an idea, belief, or political group has, especially when described as increasing or decreasing (this meaning appears mostly in the fixed phrases gain ground and lose ground)
The idea of a four-day work week has been gaining ground in several European countries.
gain ground — become more popular
Online education gained ground rapidly after schools closed during the pandemic.
The movement to reduce plastic packaging is gaining ground among younger shoppers.
Renata noted that renewable energy gained more ground in five years than in the previous two decades.
gain + more + ground with time reference
- gain ground
- lose ground
- steadily gain ground
- ground lost
Grammar Patterns
gain/lose + ground
Usage Note
Always appears in the verb phrases 'gain ground' or 'lose ground.' The noun itself does not vary; the verb carries tense and aspect changes.
Common Mistakes
8. the position of an idea, belief, or group when it is declining in acceptance or
the position of an idea, belief, or group when it is declining in acceptance or influence, used in the fixed phrase lose ground to show that something is becoming less popular or effective
Traditional newspapers have been losing ground to online news platforms for more than a decade.
lose ground to [competitor]
The ruling party lost ground in the rural regions during the last election.
Cheap synthetic fabrics are losing ground as consumers choose more sustainable options.
Esme watched her favourite brand lose ground to newer, cheaper competitors in the market.
lose ground to + competitor noun phrase
- lose ground
- lose ground to
- lose ground fast
- decline
broader meaning; 'lose ground' implies a direct comparison with a gaining counterpart
- fall behind
more informal; focuses on relative position rather than absolute acceptance
- gain ground
the direct opposite in the same fixed-phrase pattern
Grammar Patterns
lose + ground
Usage Note
Opposite of sense 7. Often followed by 'to' to name the gaining competitor or alternative. This sense and sense 7 are frequently used in political and business reporting.
9. a conductive path, typically a wire, through which stray electricity is sent int
a conductive path, typically a wire, through which stray electricity is sent into the earth to prevent harm to users
The electrician checked that the ground wire was firmly attached to the metal pipe.
collocation: ground wire
Kemi's old toaster lacked a ground, so she bought a newer model.
Ziad connected the ground to the copper rod buried outside the house.
Without a proper ground, an electrical fault can give the user a serious shock.
without + a + ground — condition structure
- ground wire
- ground connection
- ground fault
- connect to ground
- earth
British English equivalent; identical function
Grammar Patterns
ground + wire / connection / fault
Usage Note
Called 'earth' in British English; 'ground' is the American term. In Taiwan, both '接地' and 'ground' are used in technical contexts.
Common Mistakes
10. the tiny particles that remain after coffee has been brewed, usually settling be
the tiny particles that remain after coffee has been brewed, usually settling beneath the liquid
Christopher emptied the coffee grounds from the filter into the kitchen compost bin.
collocation: coffee grounds
Min used the leftover grounds to make a gentle face scrub at home.
The coffee grounds in the cup made the last sip taste gritty and bitter.
Luca sprinkled used coffee grounds around the tomato plants to keep snails away.
coffee grounds used as garden pest deterrent
- coffee grounds
- used grounds
- sediment
more general term for any solid particles settled in a liquid; more formal
Grammar Patterns
the grounds
coffee grounds
Usage Note
Almost always used as a plural noun ('grounds'). The singular form 'ground' in this sense is rare and only appears in compounds like 'coffee ground.'
Common Mistakes
11. the act of starting something original or doing something never done before, or
the act of starting something original or doing something never done before, or the first digging at a construction site (used in the phrase break new ground or break ground)
The research team broke new ground with their study of how memories form during sleep.
break new ground — innovate in research
Quan's fashion designs broke new ground by combining traditional fabrics with modern cuts.
Construction crews will break ground on the new community centre next spring.
break ground on + project — literal construction start
The mayor attended the ceremony to break ground for the city's first public library.
- break new ground
- break ground
- break ground on
- break ground for
Grammar Patterns
break + (new) + ground
Usage Note
'Break new ground' is almost always metaphorical (innovation). 'Break ground' without 'new' commonly refers to the literal start of construction. Both are fixed phrases — the noun does not vary freely.
12. the surface or area that lies behind the main subject of a painting, pattern, or
the surface or area that lies behind the main subject of a painting, pattern, or design, onto which the design is applied
The artist painted white daisies on a bright red ground for contrast.
on a + colour + ground — design description
The wallpaper has a pattern of gold leaves on a pale green ground.
Liang chose a dark blue ground for the mural to make the figures stand out.
The fabric features small yellow birds on a cream-coloured ground.
- on a red ground
- dark ground
- light ground
- background
more general and more common in everyday use; 'ground' is more specific to art and design
- base
used in crafts and painting for the first layer of colour
- foreground
the area of a painting or image that appears closest to the viewer
Grammar Patterns
on a + adjective + ground
Usage Note
Common in descriptions of textiles, wallpaper, and paintings where a pattern or image appears on a single-colour background. In modern everyday English, 'background' is more common; 'ground' is more technical or decorative.
To be in a strong position in an argument because you have correct facts.
Mia knew she was on firm ground when the data supported her.
Are you on solid ground when you claim the project is safe?
break ground
idiomTo start digging for a new building project.
The city broke ground for the new library last Tuesday.
When will they break ground on the hospital expansion?
break new ground
idiomTo make a new discovery or do something that has not been done before.
Her research broke new ground in cancer treatment.
The artist broke new ground with her digital sculptures.
To suddenly cause someone's idea or plan to fail by stopping them from continuing.
The new evidence cut the ground from under the lawyer's feet.
His resignation cut the ground from under the team's project.
fall on stony ground
idiomTo fail to produce the result or effect you hope for; to have little success.
His advice fell on stony ground with the stubborn manager.
The charity's appeal fell on stony ground among the wealthy.
from the ground up
idiomCompletely, including everything, starting with the most basic things.
We rebuilt the company's website from the ground up.
She learned the business from the ground up.
gain ground
idiomTo become more powerful or successful.
The new party is gaining ground in rural areas.
Electric cars continue to gain ground in the market.
To gradually get closer to someone or something that is moving or making progress.
The runner gained ground on the leader in the final lap.
Our team needs to make up ground on the top competitors.
To start happening successfully; to make something start happening successfully.
The new restaurant finally got off the ground after delays.
Can we get this project off the ground by next month?
To allow someone or something to have an advantage; to lose an advantage for yourself.
The company gave ground to its rivals by raising prices.
The team lost ground to their opponents in the second half.
go to ground
idiomTo hide, especially to escape from someone.
After the robbery, the thief went to ground in a remote cabin.
The journalist went to ground to avoid the scandal.
To have a sensible and realistic attitude to life.
Despite his fame, he keeps his feet on the ground.
She has her feet on the ground and makes wise decisions.
To start doing something and continue very quickly and successfully.
The new manager hit the ground running and improved sales.
After training, she hit the ground running on her first day.
To continue with your opinions or intentions when someone opposes you.
Despite the criticism, she held her ground in the meeting.
He stood his ground and refused to change the design.
To make sure you always find out about the most recent developments in a situation.
As a journalist, she keeps her ear to the ground for news.
The agent had his ear to the ground for new listings.
on the ground
idiomIn the place where something is happening, especially a war, among the people involved.
Reporters on the ground described the scene as chaotic.
There is strong support for the policy on the ground.
In a place that has no connection with either side, giving no advantage to either.
The two leaders agreed to meet on neutral ground.
They chose a cafe on neutral territory for the discussion.
In an area where someone has a lot of power, knowledge, or experience.
When debating politics, he is on his own ground.
She felt confident on her own ground during the interview.
To make it possible or easier for something to be achieved.
The committee prepared the ground for the new policy.
Early experiments prepared the ground for the breakthrough.
To make someone work so hard they cannot continue, or to use something so much it breaks.
The boss ran his employees into the ground with overtime.
He ran his car into the ground by never servicing it.
To work so hard that you become extremely tired.
She worked herself into the ground preparing for the exam.
Don't run yourself into the ground; take a break.
shift your ground
idiomTo change your opinion about a subject, especially during a discussion.
He shifted his ground when new evidence appeared.
The politician shifted his ground on the tax issue.
To be very convenient or acceptable for someone.
This part-time job suits me down to the ground.
Country life suits her down to the ground.
To claim that your side of an argument is morally better than the other side.
She tried to take the moral high ground in the debate.
He seized the moral high ground by donating to charity.
If people or things are thick or thin on the ground, there are many or few of them in a place.
Good restaurants are thin on the ground in this town.
During the festival, tourists were thick on the ground.
to the ground
idiomCompletely, so that nothing is left.
The old barn burned to the ground last night.
The city was razed to the ground during the war.
ground — adjective
1. Ground food such as meat, coffee, spices, or nuts has been through a machine tha
Ground food such as meat, coffee, spices, or nuts has been through a machine that breaks it down into tiny particles or a smooth powder.
Élise bought fresh ground coffee from a shop in Tainan.
collocation: ground coffee
The recipe asks for two spoons of ground cinnamon.
Layla sprinkled ground black pepper over the grilled mushrooms.
collocation: ground + spice name
Ground pork mixed with chopped vegetables makes excellent dumpling filling.
collocation: ground pork / ground meat
Adina uses freshly ground nutmeg for her holiday cookies.
adverb: freshly ground
- ground coffee
- ground beef
- ground pork
- ground pepper
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- ground nuts
- ground meat
- fresh ground
- freshly ground
- coarsely ground
- finely ground
- minced
Used mainly for meat and onions; 'ground' is more general and also applies to coffee, spices, and nuts
- crushed
Refers to coarser, more uneven pieces (e.g. crushed peppercorns) whereas 'ground' suggests finer, more uniform particles
- powdered
Describes an even finer texture than 'ground', such as powdered sugar; 'ground' covers a range from coarse to fine
- milled
Usually implies processing in a mill (e.g. milled flour); 'ground' is broader and includes food processors and grinders
- whole
Whole beans, whole spices, or whole nuts keep their original form, the opposite of being ground
Grammar Patterns
ground + noun (e.g. ground coffee, ground beef)
adverb + ground + noun (e.g. freshly ground pepper)
Usage Note
Commonly used before a noun (attributive position) to describe food that has been put through a grinder. Applies most often to coffee, meat, pepper, spices, nuts, and grains. Can be modified by adverbs such as 'freshly', 'coarsely', or 'finely'.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- groundedadjectiveB2
- groundingnounB2
- groundlessadjectiveC1
- groundlessnessnounC1
- groundernounC1
Common collocations
Nouns
- ground level
- ground floor
- ground water
- ground crew
- ground rules
- ground troops
- ground cover
Adverbs
- firmly grounded
- freshly ground
- properly grounded
Phrases
- hit the ground running
- gain ground
- lose ground
- break new ground
- common ground
- stand one's ground
- get off the ground
- shift one's ground
- run into the ground
- suit someone down to the ground
Prepositions
- on the ground
- into the ground
- above ground
- below ground
- under ground
- ground in
- ground on
Etymology
The noun and most verb senses of 'ground' trace back to Old English 'grund', meaning the bottom, the earth's surface, or foundation. This word comes from Proto-Germanic *grunduz, which evolved into Dutch 'grond' and German 'Grund', all carrying the sense of 'bottom' or 'basis'. The form 'ground' as the past tense of the verb 'grind' has a separate origin — from Old English 'grindan' (to crush into powder) — and only converges in modern English spelling; historically the two are unrelated words that happen to look alike today.