attend matches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attend matches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to going to watch or participate in sports events or competitions. Example: "I plan to attend matches this weekend to support my favorite team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Cricket fascinated Bacon, and beginning in the 1950s he would attend matches.

The New York Times - Arts

Fifa has said he can attend matches but only in a personal capacity.

The Guardian - Sport

For 12 years he did not attend matches and that, he says, is his great regret.

The Guardian - Sport

He estimated that only one million of the 49 million citizens were able to attend matches, because of the scarcity and cost of the tickets.

The New York Times - Sports

Other European governments had already said they would not attend matches in Ukraine, citing the incarceration and alleged mistreatment of Yulia V. Tymoshenko, the jailed Ukrainian opposition leader.

The New York Times

The loyal few that attend matches are regularly joined by scouts from English and Scottish clubs, who snap up the most promising youngsters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He and his friends started attending matches the week before.

The New York Times

Doughty no longer even attends matches and does not welcome attempts to change his mind.

Independent

By the mid-'80s crowds approaching 34,000 were attending matches between leading clubs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As fans we can raise money through attending matches, sponsorship, community share issues.

The Guardian - Sport

The Daily Record has been banned from attending matches or press conferences at Rangers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports or events, ensure the context clarifies which specific "matches" you are referring to (e.g., football matches, tennis matches).

Common error

Be specific about the type of matches being referenced to prevent confusion; for example, specify "soccer matches" instead of just "matches" if the context isn't clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attend matches" functions as a verb phrase, where "attend" is the verb indicating the action of being present, and "matches" is the direct object, specifying what is being attended. Ludwig confirms that this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attend matches" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe being present at sporting events. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, encyclopedias, and wikis, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Alternative phrases include "go to games" and "watch matches". When using this phrase, be specific about the type of "matches" you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig’s examples showcase the phrase's versatility and widespread use across different topics and source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go to games

This alternative uses a more informal vocabulary.

watch matches

This alternative focuses on the act of watching rather than participating in the event.

see games

This alternative uses a simpler verb to convey the same meaning.

view matches

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the visual aspect.

be present at games

This alternative emphasizes physical presence at the event.

frequent games

This alternative implies attending matches regularly.

patronize matches

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "attend matches".

visit matches

This alternative emphasizes going to the location where the matches are held.

show up at games

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the act of appearing at the event.

make it to matches

This alternative suggests overcoming obstacles to attend the matches.

FAQs

What does it mean to "attend matches"?

To "attend matches" means to be present at sporting events or competitions, typically as a spectator.

How can I use "attend matches" in a sentence?

You can say, "Many fans "go to games" to support their favorite teams" or "She plans to "watch matches" every weekend".

Which is a more formal way to say "attend matches"?

A more formal way to say "attend matches" is to say "be present at games" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "attend matches" and ""watch matches""?

"Attend matches" implies being physically present, while ""watch matches"" can also refer to watching on television or online.