being grounded

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   the state of being punished by not being allowed to go out or do certain things, usually for a child or teenager

   Grammar: Often used after a form of 'be': She is being grounded for a week. It can also follow verbs like 'hate' or 'avoid': He hates being grounded.

   Patterns

   • being grounded for a week
   • being grounded by parents
   • hate being grounded

   Being grounded for the weekend meant she had to miss the party.

   He is being grounded because he broke the rules.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   the state of being emotionally stable, sensible, and connected to reality

   Grammar: Used to describe a person's character or current state, often after 'be' or 'seem': She seems very grounded.

   Patterns

   • being grounded as a person
   • seem grounded
   • stay grounded

   Being grounded helps you deal with stress without losing control.

   After all his success, he remains grounded and treats everyone with respect.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   the state of a child or young person being kept at home as a punishment and not allowed to go out

   Grammar: Often used in the passive with 'be': The teenager is being grounded for missing curfew.

   Patterns

   • is being grounded
   • was being grounded

   The boy is being grounded for a month after lying to his parents.

   She was being grounded when her friends called to invite her out.

Common combinations

being grounded for a week

Being grounded for a week gave him time to think about his actions.

being grounded by parents

Being grounded by parents is a common punishment for teenagers.

stay grounded

Even after winning the award, she managed to stay grounded.

seem grounded

He seems very grounded despite his sudden fame.

Synonyms and how they differ

being punished

A general term; 'being grounded' is a specific type of punishment, usually for children and involving staying home.

being sensible

Refers to good judgment; 'being grounded' in the emotional sense also implies stability and realism.

Opposites

Word family

ground verb

To punish a child by not allowing them to go out.

grounded adjective

Sensible and emotionally stable.

Commonly confused: being grounded or grounding?

Practice

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