decisive pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisive pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, particularly in team games like soccer or basketball, where a key pass leads to a significant outcome, such as a goal or score. Example: "In the final minutes of the game, his decisive pass set up the winning goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Oxlade-Chamberlain's positive and perceptive decision-making also saw him lay on the decisive pass for Van Persie that allowed Arsenal to briefly tie the score.

The New York Times

He reads the game so smartly, so intelligently, so quickly that he makes the decisive pass quicker than most players can see it.

The New York Times - Sports

As Jarrett made the decisive pass, Rudd tried to protect his lead by pinching off the space in front of Jarrett.

The New York Times - Sports

He's the midfielder from where the balls have the most amount of passes to make the last decisive pass, so I think he's a very important player.

The Guardian - Sport

Gareth Southgate suggested his players were "a fraction off" in the decisive pass, perhaps unnerved by the speed of the playing surface or disoriented by the seven changes made to the line-up.

The Guardian - Sport

With Griezmann to his right and only Benedikt Höwedes left to deal with both of them, the real surprise was the Frenchman lacked the self-awareness to realise he was not going to win the race, and it would be a good idea to look up and spot the obvious, straightforward and possibly decisive pass.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In the second set, Williams offset Davenport's strong serves with quick footwork and decisive passing shots.

The New York Times - Sports

What I particularly liked was his determination to construct from the back with quick and decisive passes.

The Guardian - Sport

Fàbregastore Bournemouth apart with effective back-flicks and decisive passing, creating three goals, and Hiddink believes the Spaniard excels when in a more advanced position.

The Guardian - Sport

He used to train three times a week in Khayelitsha, one of the largest townships in South Africa – miles and miles of little brick houses interspaced with tin shacks on the edge of Cape Town.He says he was the type of player who didn't waste himself running aimlessly after the ball; rather, he analysed the game to make decisive passes that would lead his team to victory.

The Guardian

It took time for the side to become accustomed to Deila's style, since the fundamental qualities he wants from his team are pressing and quick, decisive passes and incisive play.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a play in sports, use "decisive pass" to emphasize the pass that directly led to a score or significant advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive pass" in contexts outside of sports where "crucial decision" or "key action" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a specific connotation that might not fit other scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive pass" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'decisive' modifies 'pass'. It describes a specific type of pass that plays a critical role in achieving a desired outcome, often in sports. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive pass" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, typically employed in sports contexts to describe a pass that directly leads to a scoring opportunity or significant advantage. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. While not extremely common, the phrase appears frequently in news and media, and its usage is straightforward. Alternative phrases such as "key pass" or "crucial pass" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When writing, it's best to use "decisive pass" primarily in sports-related content to maintain its intended connotation and avoid potential misuse in other scenarios. The frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key pass

Focuses on the importance of the pass, similar to "decisive pass".

crucial pass

Emphasizes the critical nature of the pass.

game-winning pass

Highlights the direct impact on winning the game.

winning assist

Shifts the focus slightly to the assist resulting from the pass.

final pass

Emphasizes the pass being the last one before a score.

critical assist

Like "winning assist", but more general in application.

match-winning pass

Similar to game-winning, but applicable to matches in general.

breakthrough pass

Highlights how the pass enables a breakthrough in play.

telling pass

Emphasizes the impact the pass has on revealing the state or opportunity in the game.

precise pass

Focuses on the accuracy and intent of the pass, leading to a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "decisive pass" in a sentence?

You can use "decisive pass" to describe a pass in sports that directly leads to a score or significant advantage. For example, "The forward delivered a "decisive pass" to the striker, who scored the winning goal".

What are some alternatives to "decisive pass"?

Alternatives to "decisive pass" include "key pass", "crucial pass", or "game-winning pass", depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "decisive pass" formal or informal?

"Decisive pass" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing sports.

What does it mean when a commentator says a player made a "decisive pass"?

When a commentator says a player made a "decisive pass", it means the player executed a pass that directly created a scoring opportunity or significantly altered the game's momentum in their team's favor.