breaking balls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaking balls" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to teasing or making fun of someone, often in a light-hearted manner. Example: "I was just breaking balls with my friends at the bar, joking about our old college days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's not chasing breaking balls; it's recognizing that they are breaking balls.

The New York Times - Sports

It's normally on breaking balls.

The New York Times - Sports

Hitting breaking balls less so.

The New York Times - Sports

"His command on his breaking balls have gotten sharper.

The New York Times

"It doesn't mean we're advocating throwing breaking balls," Keener said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He had command over both breaking balls," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He hits fastballs, he hits breaking balls, he hits changeups.

The New York Times - Sports

We hung a lot of sliders, breaking balls, changeups.

The New York Times - Sports

"He handles breaking balls so well," Olerud said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was able to throw more breaking balls and changeups today".

The New York Times - Sports

I've been working on some pretty good changeups and breaking balls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about baseball, use "breaking balls" to specifically refer to pitches that curve or move unpredictably. This term adds technical accuracy to your description.

Common error

Don't use "breaking balls" as a generic term for all types of pitches. It specifically refers to pitches with a curve or movement, not just any pitch that isn't a fastball.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaking balls" functions primarily as a noun phrase in baseball contexts. It refers to a category of pitches designed to deviate from a straight path. Ludwig AI examples show it used when describing pitchers' arsenals or batters' difficulties in hitting such pitches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "breaking balls" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, predominantly in sports journalism and baseball analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes pitches designed to curve or move erratically. When using this term, ensure it's within the context of baseball and avoid overgeneralizing its meaning. Alternative phrases include "curveballs" or "off-speed pitches", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curve balls

A variation of breaking balls

curveballs

This refers to a type of pitch with a curved trajectory, similar to breaking balls but emphasizes the specific type of curve.

off-speed pitches

This is a broader category that includes breaking balls, changeups, and other pitches thrown with less velocity than a fastball.

deceptive pitches

This highlights the characteristic of breaking balls that makes them difficult for batters to hit.

pitches with movement

This describes pitches that deviate from a straight path, encompassing breaking balls and other similar types.

trick pitches

This implies that the pitches are designed to deceive the batter.

unexpected deliveries

This emphasizes the element of surprise associated with breaking balls.

surprise reveals

Moves the concept towards general surprises, changing the context.

disruptive moments

This describes a situation where something unexpected interrupts the normal flow of events, a broader interpretation.

game changers

This relates to the significant impact that breaking balls can have on a baseball game, but can have another meaning in life in general.

FAQs

What are some other types of pitches besides "breaking balls"?

Besides "breaking balls", there are fastballs, changeups, and knuckleballs, each with distinct characteristics and grips.

How do you grip "breaking balls"?

The grip for "breaking balls" varies depending on the specific type of breaking ball, such as a curveball, slider, or knuckle curve. Each grip influences the spin and movement of the pitch.

Is it okay to use "curve balls" instead of "breaking balls"?

Yes, "curve balls" is an acceptable alternative term for "breaking balls", although "breaking balls" is often used as a broader category that includes various types of curved pitches.

What is the difference between a fastball and "breaking balls"?

A fastball is typically the fastest pitch, thrown with a straight trajectory. "Breaking balls", on the other hand, are slower and designed to curve or move, deceiving the batter.