a late scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a late scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone or something is unexpectedly removed from a contest, race, or competition. For example, "She was scratched from the race at the last minute due to an injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fahey was a late scratch from the men's French Open in late September, with a knee injury she called "nothing serious".

The New Yorker

Persa was a late scratch.

The New York Times - Sports

Sonja's Faith was a late scratch.

The New York Times - Sports

Gary Sheffield was a late scratch.

The New York Times

TOM POTI was a late scratch because of back spasms.

The New York Times - Sports

YOUKILIS A LATE SCRATCH Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch from Monday's starting lineup after his back tightened during batting practice.

The New York Times - Sports

Gonzalez, who was a late scratch from Friday's lineup, has hit.321 in Boston.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeter was a late scratch after bruising his right heel while running the bases Friday night.

The New York Times - Sports

He was originally in the lineup, but was a late scratch for Andy Dirks in left.

The New York Times

Boston outfielder Shane Victorino was a late scratch because of tightness in his lower back.

The New York Times

Sophomore defensive tackle Caraun Reid, a late scratch last week, is listed as the starter.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a late scratch" to clearly indicate a last-minute removal from a lineup, competition, or event, often due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or injury.

Common error

Avoid using "a late scratch" when the removal isn't truly last-minute. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a very recent decision to withdraw, as opposed to a planned absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a late scratch" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe someone or something that has been withdrawn from a scheduled event at the last minute. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

16.66%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a late scratch" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a last-minute withdrawal, typically in sports or events. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its register is mostly neutral and appears predominantly in news and media, consider more formal alternatives like "last-minute withdrawal" for professional contexts. Avoid using the phrase when the removal isn't truly last-minute to maintain clarity. Common reasons for "a late scratch" include illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure your writing is precise in indicating the reason for the absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last-minute withdrawal

Focuses on the act of withdrawing at the last moment.

unexpected absence

Highlights the unanticipated nature of the absence.

sudden pullout

Emphasizes the abruptness of the removal.

late dropout

Similar to "scratch", indicating someone who quits at the last minute.

eleventh-hour withdrawal

Uses a more descriptive term to convey the timing.

last-second cancellation

Highlights the cancellation aspect.

abrupt removal

Focuses on the action of being removed quickly.

final-moment exclusion

Emphasizes the exclusion at the final moment.

unforeseen exit

Stresses that the exit was not anticipated.

tardy exclusion

Highlights the exclusion with a similar word choice.

FAQs

What does "a late scratch" mean in sports?

In sports, "a late scratch" refers to a player being unexpectedly removed from the lineup shortly before a game or event, typically due to injury or illness.

How can I use "a late scratch" in a sentence?

You can say, "The star player was "a late scratch" from the game due to a sudden illness".

What are some alternatives to saying "a late scratch"?

Alternatives include "last-minute withdrawal", "unexpected absence", or "sudden pullout" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a late scratch" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider alternatives like "last-minute withdrawal" or "unexpected absence" for a more formal tone, especially in business or academic contexts.