a regular season

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regular season" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports to refer to the scheduled games or matches that occur before the playoffs or championship. Example: "The team performed exceptionally well during a regular season, securing their spot in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It feels like a regular season game in June.

The New York Times

We had a heck of a regular season.

The New York Times - Sports

Its nine resident companies present a regular season of productions, workshops and outreach performances.

Princeton University

After Saturday, there is one week left in this roller-coaster ride of a regular season.

The New York Times

In a regular season, there would be room and time for someone like Pierce to heal.

The New York Times - Sports

I went to a regular season game and I instantly became a Caps fan.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was a regular-season classic.

The New York Times - Sports

(He did not face a regular-season scheme, either).

The New York Times - Sports

He has never played in a regular-season game.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a preseason game, not a regular-season contest.

The New York Times

He had never appeared in a regular-season game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports, clearly distinguish between the "regular season", playoffs, and off-season to avoid confusion. Use "regular season" to specifically refer to the period of scheduled games before any elimination rounds.

Common error

Avoid using "regular season" interchangeably with "post-season" or "playoffs". The "regular season" leads up to the playoffs, which are separate and involve fewer teams competing for a championship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regular season" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing it commonly refers to the standard period of play in sports before playoffs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a regular season" is a common and grammatically correct term, primarily used in the context of sports to denote the scheduled period of play before playoffs. Ludwig AI's analysis, combined with numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, confirms its widespread usage and acceptance. When writing about sports, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from other phases such as the post-season. While versatile, the register is generally neutral, lending itself to both formal reporting and informal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the standard season

Emphasizes the typical or expected duration of the season.

the normal season

Highlights the usual or customary nature of the season.

the preliminary season

Focuses on the season as a preparatory phase before playoffs.

the scheduled season

Stresses the pre-arranged nature of the season's games.

the main season

Indicates the primary part of the overall competition year.

league season

Specifies that the season is part of a larger league.

championship season

If the regular season is the only official season in a lower-level league.

pre-playoff season

If the regular season precedes a playoff for the championship.

the initial season

Focuses on the season as an early phase of the competition.

the opening season

Highlights the commencement or start of the sporting period.

FAQs

What is the definition of "a regular season" in sports?

In sports, "a regular season" refers to the period of scheduled games that occur before the playoffs or championship tournament. It determines which teams qualify for the post-season.

What can I say instead of "a regular season"?

You can use alternatives like "the standard season", "the normal season", or "the preliminary season" depending on the context.

How do teams qualify for playoffs after "a regular season"?

Teams typically qualify for the playoffs based on their performance during "a regular season", such as their win-loss record or their ranking within their league or conference.

Is "a regular season" the same across all sports?

While the basic concept of "a regular season" is consistent across most sports, the length, structure, and qualification rules for playoffs can vary significantly from sport to sport.