drop a goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop a goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in sports contexts, particularly in rugby or cricket, to refer to scoring a goal or points. Example: "The team managed to drop a goal in the final minutes of the match, securing their victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Catt goes to drop a goal, which fails as Waugh knocks it on.

The Guardian - Sport

"Finding a way to kick a penalty or drop a goal can be just as important as going 95 yards".

Independent

To which Barnes responded, sulphurically: "If I had to drop a goal to beat anyone in a cup final, I'm glad it was you, Simon".

Independent

So too was the collective failure of the midfield to do what Basil Fawlty would call the "bleeding obvious" and drop a goal at the last knockings.

Independent

After Stuart Barnes, one of the guiding spirits at Bath, had earned his side a John Player Cup final victory over Quins by dropping a goal in extra time, Halliday extended the hand of reconciliation by saying: "If anyone had to drop a goal to beat me in a cup final, I'm glad it was you, Stuart".

Independent

Bath, who were missing 12 players through injury, barely mustered an attack, although they came close to opening the scoring after 21 minutes when George Ford, the only player to drop a goal in the Premiership this season, hit a post from 20 metres as he tried to add to his tally of three.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Gopperth kicked a fourth penalty before Daly dropped a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Flood, now much more composed, then dropped a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Brough added his fourth conversion then dropped a goal to extend the advantage to 25-12.

The Guardian - Sport

They got their reward from that period of pressure when Gareth Davies dropped a goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Eastmond dropped a goal on their next attack but Leeds hit back when Brett Delaney raced over.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific play or event in rugby, use "drop a goal" to accurately convey the type of score achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "drop a goal" when you mean a regular try or penalty kick. The term specifically refers to a goal scored by dropping the ball and kicking it immediately as it bounces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop a goal" functions as a verb phrase describing a specific scoring action in sports, primarily rugby. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe scoring in a game.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop a goal" is a verb phrase primarily used in sports, specifically rugby, to describe the act of scoring by dropping the ball and kicking it through the goalposts after it bounces. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, especially in sports contexts. While the phrase may not be overly common, it serves a specific purpose in sports reporting and commentary. Remember to differentiate it from other types of scoring plays like tries or penalty kicks to ensure accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

score a drop goal

This alternative is a more explicit way of specifying the type of goal being scored.

kick a drop goal

This alternative emphasizes the action of kicking the ball to score the goal.

achieve a drop goal

This alternative focuses on the accomplishment of scoring a drop goal.

secure a drop goal

This alternative highlights the act of obtaining a drop goal, often in a crucial moment.

successfully drop a goal

This alternative adds emphasis to the success in executing the drop goal.

convert a drop goal

This alternative is commonly used when talking about converting a chance into a score.

slot a drop goal

This alternative emphasizes precision and accuracy in executing the drop goal.

get a drop goal

This alternative is a more general way of saying that a drop goal was scored.

make a drop goal

This alternative describes performing the action of achieving a drop goal.

attain a drop goal

This alternative describes the attainment of a drop goal, and emphasizes the challenge of achieving it.

FAQs

How is "drop a goal" scored in rugby?

A "drop a goal" is scored in rugby when a player drops the ball and kicks it through the goalposts immediately after it bounces off the ground. It's worth three points.

What's the difference between "drop a goal" and a penalty kick in rugby?

A "penalty kick" is awarded after an infringement and is taken from a stationary position, whereas a "drop a goal" is attempted during open play by dropping and kicking the ball as it bounces.

Are there other sports where the term "drop a goal" is used?

While the term "drop a goal" is most commonly associated with rugby, a similar concept exists in Australian Rules Football, also known as a "drop punt".

What are some alternatives to "drop a goal" in rugby commentary?

You can use alternatives like "score a drop goal", "kick a drop goal", or "successfully convert a drop goal" to add variety to your commentary.