after the kickoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after the kickoff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time period or events that occur following the start of a game or event, particularly in sports. Example: "The team showed great improvement after the kickoff, scoring two goals in the first half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

After the kickoff moved, it rose to 26.8 percent of the time.

The New York Times

After the kickoff, the Cowboys started at their 19 with 1 45 left.

The New York Times - Sports

Not long after the kickoff luncheon ended, the downpour outside gave way to slivers of sunshine.

The New York Times - Sports

Coach Marty Schottenheimer screamed at Richey on the sideline after the kickoff went out of bounds.

The New York Times - Sports

The second half was a different story, as Ma'a Nonu scored New Zealand's third try right after the kickoff.

The New York Times - Sports

The penalty may have cost Minnesota 3 points because it gave the Giants better field position after the kickoff.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

All eyes were on the NFL this weekend― but not just for what happened after the kickoffs.

Huffington Post

After fumbling the kickoff return, which he recovered, he gained 4 yards on 2 carries and failed to retrieve a catchable screen pass.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet the Friday after Thanksgiving, the kickoff to the highest-revenue weeks for stores, is expected to lay bare the increasingly parallel universes of retailing in America, the analysts said.

The New York Times

With no chance to win, Boston College elected to let the clock run out after receiving the kickoff.

Wikipedia

The Tigers took over at midfield after Devery Henderson returned the kickoff 49-yards.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language if the timing is crucial, such as "within seconds of the kickoff" or "immediately after the kickoff".

Common error

Avoid using "after the kickoff" without providing enough context. It is important to clarify whether you are referring to the initial kickoff or one that occurred later in the game to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after the kickoff" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It specifies the timing of an event in relation to the start of a game. Ludwig's examples show its common use in describing actions following the initial kickoff.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after the kickoff" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe events that occur following the start of a game or event, particularly in sports. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and prevalence. While versatile, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear which kickoff is being referenced. Consider alternatives like "following the kickoff" for variety or "immediately after the kickoff" for emphasis. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, maintaining a generally neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the kickoff

Uses a different preposition to indicate the temporal sequence.

subsequent to the kickoff

A more formal way of saying "after the kickoff".

post-kickoff

A shorter, hyphenated form emphasizing the period after the kickoff.

immediately after the kickoff

Emphasizes the immediacy of the events following the kickoff.

in the wake of the kickoff

Suggests events that unfold as a result of the kickoff.

once the kickoff occurred

Rephrases using "once" to denote the start of a new phase.

upon the kickoff

A slightly more formal way of saying "immediately after the kickoff".

directly following the kickoff

Similar to 'immediately after', with a slightly different emphasis.

in the aftermath of the kickoff

Focuses on the consequences or events that happen later.

right after the kickoff

An informal way of indicating that something happened soon after the kickoff.

FAQs

What does "after the kickoff" mean in sports?

In sports, "after the kickoff" refers to the period of time immediately following the start of a game, particularly in sports like football or soccer. It's used to describe events, plays, or strategies that occur once the game has officially begun with the initial kickoff.

How can I rephrase "after the kickoff" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives such as "subsequent to the kickoff" or "following the kickoff". These phrases provide a more elevated tone while maintaining the same meaning.

Is there a difference between "after the kickoff" and "immediately after the kickoff"?

While both phrases indicate a temporal sequence, "immediately after the kickoff" emphasizes that the event occurred very shortly after the game started. "After the kickoff" is a more general term that encompasses a broader time frame following the kickoff.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the phrase "after the kickoff"?

A common mistake is not providing enough context, leading to ambiguity. Ensure it's clear which kickoff you're referring to, especially in games with multiple restarts. Specifying "immediately after the kickoff" or using more precise timing can help avoid confusion.