commit fouls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commit fouls" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports to describe a player who breaks the rules of the game, resulting in a foul being called. Example: "During the match, several players committed fouls, leading to multiple free kicks for the opposing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Technical players are punished, and those who always commit fouls aren't.

The New York Times - Sports

It is also true, however, that if others commit fouls, they pass unnoticed".

Independent

Some have raised questions whether Lambert was given more leeway to commit fouls because of the perception that women's games are not refereed as seriously as men's games.

The New York Times

He ran the line in two matches and refereed Peru against Poland, during which he cautioned the South Americans' goalkeeper, Ramon "El Loco" Quiroga, after he twice dashed towards the halfway line to commit fouls.

Independent

PGA Tour officials do not wear striped shirts or blow whistles, throw flags, single out players who commit fouls, sweep dirt off home plate or go nose to nose with angry athletes or red-faced coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

But the 11th-seeded Wildcats had to commit fouls and Marquette made its free throws, including eight without a miss in the last minute by Wesley Matthews, who finished with 13 points and 4 rebounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"If teams are going to commit foul play, they're going to be yellow carded," said Hansen.

The New York Times - Sports

The masks were all to do with phrenology, to see if the shape of criminals' skulls is linked to their propensity to commit foul deeds.

The Guardian - Sport

I think both sides committed fouls.

The New York Times - Sports

In Europe, Turkish teams have a reputation of playing a rough, physical game, regularly committing fouls and receiving yellow cards.

The New York Times - Sports

Because of his propensity for committing fouls -- he averages one every 4.4 minutes played -- he averages about 14 minutes a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sports, use "commit fouls" to clearly indicate a breach of game rules. Be mindful of the specific sport, as different games have different foul types and consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "commit fouls" in non-sports contexts where the specific meaning of a foul (a rule violation in a game) doesn't apply. Instead, opt for more general terms like "violate regulations" or "break the rules" when discussing misconduct outside of sports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit fouls" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of violating the rules in a game or sport. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commit fouls" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of violating rules, especially in sports. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not extremely common, it appears regularly in news and media, providing a neutral way to report on game conduct. When writing, ensure that the context is appropriate, and consider synonyms like "break the rules" or "engage in foul play" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage in foul play

This alternative emphasizes the intent and nature of the rule-breaking act, suggesting unsportsmanlike conduct.

break the rules

A more general term indicating a violation of established guidelines, applicable in a broader range of situations.

foul out

Specifically in sports, especially basketball, this refers to being removed from the game due to accumulating too many personal fouls.

infract the rules

This alternative uses a more formal term, "infract", to indicate a violation, which can be applied in various contexts beyond sports.

violate regulations

This phrase emphasizes a breach of formal regulations, suitable for scenarios beyond just game rules.

play dirty

An informal way of saying someone is not following the rules and playing unfairly.

be in violation

Highlights the state of not complying with the rules or regulations.

transgress the laws

A more severe and formal way to describe breaking rules, often used in legal or moral contexts.

incur a penalty

Similar to "be penalized", highlighting the act of receiving a penalty due to a rule violation.

be penalized

Focuses on the consequence of breaking the rules rather than the act itself.

FAQs

How is "commit fouls" used in a sentence?

You can use "commit fouls" to describe a player's actions in a game, for example: "The player was cautioned after he "committed several fouls" early in the match".

What are some synonyms for "commit fouls"?

Alternatives to "commit fouls" include "engage in foul play", "break the rules", or "incur a penalty", depending on the specific context.

In what context should I use "commit fouls"?

"Commit fouls" is most appropriate in the context of sports or games where specific rules govern player conduct. Avoid using it in situations that do not involve formal rules or gameplay.

Is it better to say "commit a foul" or "commit fouls"?

Both are correct, but "commit a foul" refers to a single instance, whereas "commit fouls" refers to multiple instances or a general tendency. For example: "He "committed a foul" that cost his team the game" versus "He "committed fouls frequently" throughout the season".