all the balls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all the balls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as sports, games, or metaphorically to refer to multiple items or responsibilities. Example: "During the game, the players had to keep their eyes on all the balls being thrown around the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Up to now, all the balls used in tournament play have been imported from England.

The New Yorker

She hits the ball well, runs after all the balls, and she's very hungry.

The New York Times - Sports

He had a lot of success hitting all the balls full power in the fifth.

The Guardian - Sport

The goal will be to hit the cue ball one time and have all the balls go in the pocket.

The New Yorker

In wind-tunnel tests, it had the lowest variation in lift and side force of all the balls examined.

The Economist

How do you control where, on a regional billiards table, all the balls — or the guns — end up?

The New Yorker

"The situation is extremely volatile, all the balls are still in the air," said a senior European diplomat.

The New York Times

Everybody now tries to hit all the balls [hard], to go for the winners in any position.

The Guardian - Sport

In the meantime, confidence has been dented in Beijing's ability to keep all the balls in the air.

The Guardian - Business

If your opponent is ready to hit all the balls at 100%, then you are in trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

As Hobbs later explained, when you get all the balls you need for free, you don't worry about the one each day that gets away.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "all the balls" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to responsibilities, opportunities, or problems to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stretching the "all the balls" metaphor too far. Overusing it can make your writing sound cliché and less impactful. Instead, consider alternative expressions or more specific descriptions to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all the balls" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it can denote a collection of physical objects or, metaphorically, multiple responsibilities or tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all the balls" is a versatile phrase functioning as a noun phrase. It's frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, serving to refer to a complete set of items or, metaphorically, multiple responsibilities. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. To enhance your writing, ensure the context clarifies whether you're using it literally or metaphorically, and avoid overusing the metaphor to prevent clichés. Consider alternatives like "every ball" or "the whole set of balls" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every ball

Focuses on each individual ball rather than the group as a whole, emphasizing distribution over collection.

the whole set of balls

Emphasizes completeness and the inclusion of every item within a defined collection.

the entire collection of balls

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the collection, useful when stressing inclusivity.

all of the spheres

Uses a more formal term "spheres" for the balls, changing the tone of the sentence.

juggling multiple responsibilities

Shifts the context to managing various duties, using "all the balls" metaphorically for tasks.

handling numerous tasks

Similar to juggling, but focuses on handling rather than maintaining in the air.

managing diverse commitments

Emphasizes the variety of obligations, moving away from the physical ball metaphor.

the full complement of spheres

Uses a more technical term "complement" to indicate completeness, suitable in formal settings.

the complete inventory of balls

Focuses on the inventory aspect, fitting contexts where listing or accounting for each item is essential.

the totality of the orbs

Uses "orbs" which adds a slightly poetic or archaic feel, ideal for creative writing.

FAQs

How can I use "all the balls" in a sentence?

You can use "all the balls" in various contexts, such as sports (e.g., "He tried to catch all the balls"), games, or metaphorically to refer to multiple items or responsibilities (e.g., "She's juggling all the balls of work, family, and personal life").

What can I say instead of "all the balls"?

Alternatives to "all the balls" include "every ball", "the whole set of balls", or depending on the context, "juggling multiple responsibilities".

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "keep all the balls in the air"?

The idiom "keep all the balls in the air" is appropriate when describing someone managing multiple tasks or responsibilities simultaneously, suggesting they are handling everything successfully without dropping anything.

Is there a difference between using "all the balls" literally versus metaphorically?

Yes, literally, "all the balls" refers to physical objects. Metaphorically, it often symbolizes multiple responsibilities, opportunities, or problems someone is managing simultaneously. The context should make the intended meaning clear.