a poor throw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor throw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a throw that is not executed well, often in the context of sports or physical activities. Example: "The game was tense, but his poor throw allowed the opposing team to score easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Romo made a poor throw.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a poor throw.

The New York Times - Sports

Chuck Knoblauch made a poor throw on a turn of a possible double play.

The New York Times - Sports

But Gardner's legs and a poor throw by Napoli helped calm the nerves.

The New York Times - Sports

In their sport, a missed hurdle, a poor throw, an awkward landing — any one can mean the difference between gold and silver, or not winning anything.

The New York Times - Sports

He never directly criticized his quarterback, while making it clear he thought Collins made a poor throw on the pivotal interception before halftime.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

White has a poor throwing arm and would play left field, with Shane Spencer presumably moving to right.

The New York Times - Sports

He was one of 18 quarterbacks at the Wolf Pack's camp, and he stood out for having a strong arm but a poor throwing motion.

The New York Times - Sports

Although six of the runs were unearned, Wang took responsibility for what he said was a poor throwing motion in which he was dragging his arm behind him.

The New York Times - Sports

Lofton slapped a short fly to left-center, where Johnson -- who has a poor throwing arm -- made the catch on the run and threw home, too late to get Wilson.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a prudent decision by Torre, who probably remembered how Knoblauch suggested to reporters last month, after a particularly poor throw, that he might quit.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in sports, use "a poor throw" to pinpoint a specific instance of error or failure in throwing, rather than a general lack of skill.

Common error

While "a poor throw" is acceptable in news and general writing, consider using more precise language like "an inaccurate throw" or "a misdirected throw" in technical or formal reports for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor throw" functions as a noun phrase, with "poor" modifying the noun "throw". Ludwig AI identifies it describing a throw that lacks quality, accuracy or strength.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a poor throw" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a throw that is deficient in quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most often found in news and media contexts, particularly in sports reporting. While perfectly acceptable, consider using more specific alternatives like "an inaccurate throw" or "a weak throw" in formal writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and whether a more precise term might be more appropriate. Remember that while "a poor throw" describes the quality of the throw itself, "a throwing error" refers to a specific type of mistake in sports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inaccurate throw

Replaces 'poor' with 'inaccurate', focusing on the lack of precision.

a bad throw

Uses 'bad' as a simpler synonym for 'poor'.

a weak throw

Focuses on the lack of force or strength in the throw.

a wild throw

Emphasizes the uncontrolled nature of the throw.

a misguided throw

Highlights the throw being aimed incorrectly.

a botched throw

Indicates that the throw was clumsily executed.

a misdirected throw

Focuses on the throw going in the wrong direction.

a faulty throw

Implies a defect or flaw in the throwing motion or execution.

an errant throw

Stresses that the throw deviated from its intended path.

a substandard throw

Indicates the throw was below the expected or required level of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a poor throw" in a sentence?

"A poor throw" is typically used to describe an instance where someone throws something inaccurately or without sufficient force. Example: "His poor throw allowed the runner to advance to the next base."

What are some alternatives to "a poor throw"?

Alternatives include "an inaccurate throw", "a bad throw", or "a weak throw", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a bad throw" or "a poor throw"?

Both "a bad throw" and "a poor throw" are acceptable, but "a poor throw" might be slightly more descriptive. "Bad" is more general, while "poor" can suggest a lack of skill or quality in that specific instance.

What's the difference between "a poor throw" and "a throwing error"?

"A poor throw" describes the quality of the throw itself, whereas "a throwing error" is a specific type of error in baseball or other sports where a throw leads to an undesired outcome. "A throwing error" is a more specific, technical term.