catch a ball

USAGE SUMMARY

"catch a ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe the action of grabbing or receiving a ball that is thrown or tossed to someone. Example: "John ran across the field and leaped to catch the ball before it hit the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His son could catch a ball coming toward his left or right.

The New York Times

(He is now building a robot at M.I.T. that can catch a ball).

The New Yorker

At first she couldn't even catch a ball with two hands.

The New York Times

You remember all you have learned about how to catch a ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Going over the middle to catch a ball isn't like dodging a bullet".

The New York Times - Sports

In reality the boy was waiting to catch a ball he had tossed in the air.

The New York Times - Arts

Why should anyone gain an advantage in university admissions because she or he can throw or catch a ball?

The New York Times

"You'd run to catch a ball in the outfield and you'd slip on cow manure," Poppy Dan told me.

The New York Times

"And if you catch a ball and hit it on the barrel at this stadium, it's a home run, unfortunately".

The New York Times - Sports

"Why do you dive to catch a ball?" Alomar asked, then answered: "Because you cannot catch it running.

The New York Times - Sports

He made some eye-popping drives yesterday and one leaping save to catch a ball going out of bounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it actively: "He caught the ball", not passively: "The ball was caught by him".

Common error

Avoid using "catch a ball" when the intended meaning is to "throw a ball". Ensure the subject is the receiver, not the initiator, of the ball's motion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catch a ball" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing the action of receiving a ball, whether thrown, hit, or otherwise propelled. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, supported by numerous examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "catch a ball" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of receiving a ball. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. While versatile, considering context-specific synonyms like "snare", "intercept", or "field" can enhance precision. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to informal register. Remember to use it actively and avoid confusing the receiver with the initiator of the ball's motion. Overall, "catch a ball" remains a reliable and easily understood phrase for describing this common action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snare a ball

Suggests catching the ball with skill or precision.

grab a ball

Emphasizes the act of seizing the ball quickly.

pluck a ball

Emphasizes catching the ball cleanly and smoothly, often in the air.

stop a ball

Focuses on preventing the ball's movement, rather than securing it.

field a ball

Specifically refers to catching a ball in a fielding position, especially in baseball or cricket.

trap a ball

Implies using a part of the body or equipment to halt the ball's progress.

intercept a ball

Implies catching a ball intended for someone else, typically in sports.

secure a ball

Highlights the act of firmly holding onto the ball after catching it.

receive a ball

A more formal or general way of describing the act of catching.

get hold of a ball

Suggests managing to catch or obtain possession of the ball, sometimes with difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "catch a ball" in a sentence?

You can use "catch a ball" to describe the action of successfully receiving a thrown or hit ball. For example, "The outfielder leaped to "snare a ball" just before it hit the ground".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "catch a ball"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "grab a ball", "intercept a ball", or "field a ball" to convey more specific actions.

Is it always appropriate to use "catch a ball" in formal writing?

While "catch a ball" is grammatically correct, it is generally more appropriate for informal or general contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "secure a ball" or "receive a ball".

What sports are commonly associated with the phrase "catch a ball"?

The phrase "catch a ball" is frequently associated with sports like baseball, softball, football, and cricket, where catching is a fundamental skill.