carrying match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carrying match" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to a match that is being carried, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "He was carrying a match in his pocket, ready to light the campfire."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A vehicle carrying match officials, which was following the Sri Lankan team bus, was also caught up in the attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Were any of your boys carrying matches?" asks the pilot of the British plane flying in to pick up the remains of the team.

The Guardian

Remember when you could blithely board an airplane carrying matches, nail polish, knitting needles, hairspray, baseball bats and pool cues, strong magnets, and fertilizer?

The New Yorker

No one knows what exactly prompted Joshua Pusey, a lawyer and the inventor of the modern toboggan, to patent a folded piece of cardboard carrying matches and a striker in 1892.

The New York Times

I bought one book, which was placed into a sturdy promotional ("eco-friendly!") bag and left with a line of others carrying matching totes.

Huffington Post

The detectives were in part based on Hergé's father Alexis and uncle Léon, identical twins who often took walks together wearing matching bowler hats while carrying matching walking sticks.

Wikipedia

Passengers are still allowed to carry matches.

The New York Times

Beneath each board, a shelf carries matching cups and saucers.

The New York Times

The deal will end the league's relationship with Fox Soccer, which recently signed a one-year deal to carry matches in 2011.

The New York Times

The deal will end the league's relationship with Fox Soccer, which had a one-year deal to carry matches in 2011.

The New York Times - Sports

He quit smoking and, thus, no longer carried matches.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If referring to the act of transporting matches, use "transporting matches".

Common error

Avoid using "carrying match" when you mean "holding a match" or "transporting matches". "Carrying match" is not a standard idiomatic expression and can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carrying match" is generally used to describe the action of transporting or holding a match. However, this phrasing is not grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI indicates. Better alternatives include "holding a match" or "transporting matches".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "carrying match" might appear in various contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI highlights the lack of clarity and proper grammatical structure. The most appropriate alternatives are "holding a match" (for the physical act of holding it) and "transporting matches" (for moving them). It's best to avoid "carrying match" in formal writing. Usage of "carrying match" is rare, and authoritative sources tend to use it incorrectly. Focus on using more precise and grammatically sound alternatives for better communication. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase lacks clarity. Thus, adopting the provided suggestions will ensure clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding a match

Focuses on the act of physically holding a match.

transporting matches

Emphasizes the act of moving matches from one place to another.

bearing a match

A more formal or literary way of saying carrying.

possessing matches

Highlights ownership or having matches on one's person.

with matches on hand

Indicates readiness or availability of matches.

carrying the torch

An idiomatic expression meaning to continue a tradition or effort.

conducting a match

Refers to managing or officiating a sporting event.

managing a match

Focuses on the oversight and direction of a competition.

overseeing the match

Implies a supervisory role during a game or contest.

airlifting from the stadium

To transport by air from the stadium.

FAQs

What is a more appropriate way to say "carrying match"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "holding a match", "transporting matches", or "bearing a match".

Is "carrying match" grammatically correct?

No, "carrying match" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternative phrasings like "holding a match" or "transporting matches".

When should I use "holding a match" instead of "carrying match"?

Use "holding a match" when you want to describe the physical act of someone holding a match in their hand. The phrase "carrying match" should be avoided.

What does "carrying the torch" mean?

"Carrying the torch" is an idiom that means to continue a tradition or effort. It is not related to physically carrying a match.