a ball away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a ball away" is not standard or commonly used in written English.
It may be used in specific contexts, such as sports or games, to indicate a distance or position relative to a ball. Example: "He kicked the ball a ball away from the goalpost, missing the chance to score."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Abbott threw a ball away.

The New York Times - Sports

A-Rod trying to pull a ball away.

The New York Times

"I know there were times where May wanted a ball away and I missed, way in.

The New York Times - Sports

A head arrived just in time to clear a ball away.

The New York Times - Sports

But Danny Rose for kicking a ball away ends up getting himself sent off.

The Guardian - Sport

She did almost accidentally hit someone in the first set, Matt, when she whacked a ball away in frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Prior was undone in Game 6 by an eight-run rally in the eighth inning that began after a fan deflected a foul ball away from left fielder Moises Alou and continued after shortstop Alex Gonzalez muffed a double-play ball.

The New York Times - Sports

And from the last he pings a leggish ball away for a single.

The Guardian - Sport

"He'd swing at a breaking ball away off a certain guy," Melvin said, "and next time up, he's looking for that breaking ball and knowing where it starts and knowing where to lay off it.

The New York Times - Sports

Doug DeCinces hit a two-run home run after Bucky Dent threw a ground ball away.

The New York Times - Sports

On 1-1, Cabrera goes fishing for a breaking ball away and misses, 1-2.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a ball away" to vividly describe near misses or close distances, especially in sports contexts. This adds a relatable visual element to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a ball away" in situations where the sports analogy doesn't fit. It can sound out of place in formal or abstract discussions. Instead, opt for more general terms like "close", "nearby", or "almost".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a ball away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, often implying a state of nearness or a missed opportunity. This is highlighted in Ludwig examples where it describes how close someone was to scoring or achieving a certain outcome. The phrase can also function as part of a descriptive adjective phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a ball away" is a common expression, predominantly used in sports contexts, to illustrate the proximity of an event or the nearness of success. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is acceptable, though it's important to note its usage is largely confined to informal and sports-related discussions. It functions mainly as an adverbial phrase emphasizing how close something was to happening, often carrying a sense of near-miss disappointment. While grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media, overuse in formal or non-sports settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "just out of reach" or "almost there" can be considered for broader applicability. Remember to leverage the vivid imagery of "a ball away" to make your writing more engaging and relatable in suitable contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within striking distance

Implies being close enough to achieve a goal, similar to being "a ball away" from scoring.

just out of reach

Indicates something is nearly attainable but not quite, akin to a ball being slightly "a ball away".

a hair's breadth away

Emphasizes extreme closeness, much like missing a shot by "a ball away".

almost there

Suggests nearing completion or success, comparable to a successful action being "a ball away".

close to the mark

Indicates proximity to a target or desired outcome, analogous to a near miss in sports.

in the vicinity

Denotes being nearby or in the general area, similar to a ball's location.

nearby

Simply states that something is not far, like a ball in relation to a target.

in close proximity

Highlights the nearness of two things, resembling the spatial relation described by "a ball away".

within spitting distance

An idiom emphasizing extreme closeness.

nearly there

Suggests being on the verge of achieving something, like a shot that's "a ball away" from being a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "a ball away" in a sentence?

You can use "a ball away" to describe a situation where something is very close to being achieved, especially in sports. For example, "The championship was just "within striking distance", a mere "a ball away" from their grasp".

What does "a ball away" mean in sports?

In sports, "a ball away" typically means that a player or team narrowly missed a goal, point, or opportunity. It emphasizes how close they were to success.

Are there any synonyms for "a ball away"?

Yes, alternatives include "just out of reach", "a hair's breadth away", or "almost there", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a ball away" in formal writing?

While "a ball away" is acceptable, it's generally more suitable for informal or sports-related contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and less colloquial alternatives like "in close proximity" or "nearly there".