break ground
To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for…To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.
» We hope to break new ground.
Meaning
4 senses(literally)To begin digging in the earth at the start of a new construction, or, originally, for cultivation.
They broke ground on the new library last month.
(figuratively)To initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements.
The invention breaks ground in its programming and its structure.
To lift off the sea bottom when being weighed.
To separate from the ground on takeoff; to become airborne.
Examples
6 sentencesWe hope to break new ground.
The building was completed nine months after breaking ground.
His designs have broken new ground but his wife doesn't know it.
That's breaking new ground.
A pick is a long handled tool used for breaking up hard ground surfaces.
Translations
2 languagesForms
breaks ground, breaking ground, broke ground, broken ground| Base form | break ground · to break ground |
|---|---|
| 3rd person singular | breaks ground |
| Present participle | breaking ground |
| Past simple | broke ground |
| Past participle | broken ground |
irregular · Lesson
Word family
1 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle