balled

USAGE SUMMARY

'balled' is a correct word in written English and is used to describe something that is in the shape of a ball or has been formed into a ball shape.
It can also be used as a verb to describe the action of forming something into a ball. Example 1: The children were playing with a balled up piece of paper, throwing it back and forth between them. Example 2: The baker balled the dough before placing it in the oven to ensure it would rise evenly. Example 3: The cat balled itself up on the windowsill, basking in the warm afternoon sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Trees of more than 7.5 cm (3 inches) in trunk diameter, however, are best moved balled and burlapped, that is, with a ball of earth enclosing the roots held in place with burlap.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Holes must be wide and deep enough to permit the roots to spread naturally or, in the case of balled and burlapped stock, to receive the ball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fictional Mr Scalia in real life the outspoken, caustic 78-year-old leader of the court's conservative wing prowls round his chambers, fists balled like a prizefighter, sparring with Cat about his views on gay marriage (bad), abortion (worse) and the death penalty (a fitting punishment for wickedness).

The Economist

Fleur has also laid down her vocals for the One Republic song, while Andrea has gone down the balled route with a cover of "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" by Whitney Houston.

Independent

What might be a signature is Untitled: Wall Blob, something palm-doodled by a giant, idly balled together from cement, plaster, polystyrene, burlap, with a bit of added paint.

Independent

While others such as Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel couldn't believe what had happened, Suarez pulled his shirt over his eyes and balled like a baby, and not even a consoling word from Gerrard or Kolo Toure could lift his spirits.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

These potential hikes, which in some cases exceed 30%, can be partly explained by the fact that insurers low-balled their prices in the early days of the Affordable Care Act in order to gain market share.

The Economist

When I went bargain hunting at the night market on Temple Street, an older woman balked when I low-balled a pair of slippers.

The New Yorker

To do so, Lin will, among other things, need to fix the hitch in his jumper that leads to some of the worst misses fans will see in the N.B.A. (like the open 3-pointer he air-balled on Monday).

The New York Times

But he air-balled a 3-pointer in the final seconds of a loss to the Miami Heat.

The New York Times - Sports

Mottola has a tender regard for balled-up smart people who angrily reject conventional success yet remain desperate for acceptance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical states, use "balled" to vividly convey the shape or action of forming something into a sphere, such as "balled fists" to denote anger or tension.

Common error

Avoid using "balled" when a more precise term like "rolled", "clenched", or "spherical" would better describe the action or shape you're trying to convey. "Balled" implies a specific, often forceful, rounding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "balled" is as the past participle of the verb "ball", often used to describe something that has been formed into a ball. As Ludwig AI shows, it also describes the state of being in a ball-like shape, as seen in examples like "balled fists."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "balled" is the past participle of the verb "ball", commonly used to describe something formed into a ball or existing in a ball-like shape. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, from describing physical objects to emotional states. It is most frequently found in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, it may be substituted with more precise terms like "spherical" or "compacted" in formal settings. Understanding its nuanced usage, particularly the forceful rounding it often implies, can greatly enhance writing accuracy and vividness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rolled into a ball

More explicitly states the act of rolling into a spherical shape.

rolled up

Focuses on the action of rolling something into a compact form, similar to forming a ball.

clenched

Specifically refers to the action of closing the hand tightly into a fist.

formed into a sphere

Emphasizes the creation of a spherical shape.

gathered together

Highlights the act of bringing things together into a collected mass.

compacted

Focuses on the compression and densification of a substance.

bunched

Suggests a gathered or clustered arrangement.

spherical

Describes something that is shaped like a sphere.

crumpled

Implies something has been crushed and folded irregularly.

crimped

Describes a wrinkled of folded structure.

FAQs

How is "balled" used in descriptions of physical objects?

The term "balled" is frequently used to indicate the state of something being rolled or formed into a round shape. For example, "balled up paper" describes paper that has been crumpled into a ball.

When is it appropriate to use "balled" in the context of emotions or body language?

"Balled" is commonly used to describe hands formed into fists, such as "balled fists", indicating tension, anger, or determination.

What are some alternatives to using "balled" when describing shapes?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "balled" include terms such as "rolled up", "spherical", or "compacted" to more accurately describe the shape or form.

Is there a difference in meaning between "balled up" and simply "balled"?

"Balled up" often implies a more forceful or haphazard formation into a ball shape, while "balled" can simply describe something that is in the form of a ball or has been carefully formed into one.