a throw for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a throw for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, particularly in games like football or baseball, where it refers to a pass or throw made to a specific player or target. Example: "The quarterback made a perfect throw for the wide receiver, leading to a touchdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He pivoted with his right foot, twisted his body toward second and whipped a throw for a forceout.

The New York Times - Sports

As the ball fell into left, Helton and Hammonds scored without a throw for a 4-1 Rockies lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Cabrera never looked back and made what turned into a good base-running decision, scoring from second without a throw for a 2-0 lead.

The New York Times

Since then, she had eked out a living acting in television and films at $20 a throw; for this British-backed production, the actors earned $600.

The Economist

It sounded credible enough, so I paid £40 a throw for what was essentially massage with a medical veneer twice a week for nearly six weeks.

The Guardian

Anyway, free kick to Real, from which... Updated at 8.17pm BST 8.12pm BST 24 min: A throw for Atlético deep in Real territory down the right.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Mr Edelman promptly launched a perfect throw for a 51-yard touchdown.

The Economist

Earl Boykins made a free throw for a 95-92 lead with 15.9 seconds to go.

The New York Times - Sports

Use this after an up throw for a nice combo.

WikiHow

(NYT) THE OTHER CONTEST A BOLD STAND ON BASKETBALL -- It was a free throw for Al Gore.

The New York Times

Alomar said, "It took a perfect throw for him to throw me out, and he did his job".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a throw for" in sports writing, clearly specify who or what the throw is intended for to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "a throw for first base" or "a throw for the receiver."

Common error

Avoid using "a throw for" in contexts where a different term like "pass", "pitch", or "toss" is more appropriate. Ensure the chosen term aligns with the specific action and sport or activity being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a throw for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the purpose or direction of a throwing action. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in sports contexts, specifying the intended target of the throw.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a throw for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively describes the action of throwing towards a specific target or purpose. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in sports contexts within News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. Remember to use it where the emphasis is on the intent and destination of the throw. Although this phrase is correct, consider alternatives like "a pass to" or "an attempt to throw to" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pass to

Focuses specifically on the action of passing, often in sports contexts.

a toss for

Uses a more casual synonym for 'throw'.

an attempt to throw to

Highlights the intention or effort behind the throw.

a launch towards

Emphasizes the projection or sending of an object or action.

a delivery to

Conveys the act of delivering something, such as a ball or message.

a pitch aimed at

Specifically refers to pitching in baseball or similar contexts, emphasizing the aim.

a heave in aid of

Implies a forceful throw done to assist or benefit someone.

a lob for

Suggests a softer, higher throw, often in basketball or volleyball.

a fling toward

Conveys a quick, casual throw in a particular direction.

a service for

Emphasizes the action of serving, often in tennis or volleyball.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a throw for" typically describes the act of throwing something towards a specific target or purpose. For example, "He made "a quick throw for" the basket" or "It took "a perfect throw for" him to get the out."

What can I say instead of "a throw for"?

You can use alternatives like "a pass to", "a toss for", or "an attempt to throw to" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a throw for" instead of "a throw to"?

"A throw for" implies purpose or intended recipient in a way that "a throw to" might not always convey. Use "a throw for" when you want to emphasize the aim or objective of the throw. The phrases are very similar in meaning and often interchangeable but "a throw for" carries a slight nuance of intent.

Is "a throw for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a throw for" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in sports contexts, to describe the act of throwing towards a specific target. However, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.