every second ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every second ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a selection or occurrence that happens at regular intervals, specifically every two items in a sequence. Example: "In the game, players were instructed to catch every second ball thrown to them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We lost every duel, every second ball.

Independent

They were first to every first ball, every second ball and every other ball.

The Guardian - Sport

They won every second ball and when we had the ball we lost the ball so easily, without great pressure of West Ham.

Independent

There were cameos when Newcastle still looked horribly vulnerable and a decided edginess inhibited their passing but, encouragingly, importantly, they were winning virtually every second ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Crucially, given last term's indifferent title defence, their appetite to fight for every second ball, every challenge and every point was equally impressive.

The Guardian - Sport

"They won every second ball.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The second ball moves freely atop the first ball.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Same thing for the second ball.

The New York Times - Sports

And he strikes second ball!

The Guardian - Sport

Second ball, I got out.

The Guardian - Sport

Hales has gone second ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or selections, use "every second ball" to clearly indicate a consistent, alternating pattern. This phrase is particularly useful in sports commentary or instructional contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "every second ball" when you mean a random selection or an infrequent occurrence. This phrase specifically implies a consistent alternation, not just any occasional selection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every second ball" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating the frequency or pattern of selecting a ball. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression, particularly in contexts where alternating selections are relevant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every second ball" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively describes a consistent alternating pattern or selection. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources. It serves to provide precision and clarity in various contexts, such as sports commentary or procedural instructions. While not exceedingly frequent, its specific meaning makes it a valuable term when describing alternating sequences, and can be interchanged in many cases with ""every other ball"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every other ball

Replaces "second" with "other" to indicate alternation.

each alternate ball

Uses "each" and "alternate" for a more formal tone.

every two balls

Specifies the numerical interval directly.

alternate balls

Shortened version emphasizing alternation.

balls at two-ball intervals

Rephrases to emphasize the interval.

balls in an alternating sequence

More descriptive, highlighting the pattern.

balls every other turn

Uses 'turn' instead of 'ball' to focus on a cyclical process.

balls separated by one

Emphasizes the separation between selections.

balls with a skip of one

Emphasizes the skipping pattern between selections.

second ball in succession

Highlights an item following another, occurring sequentially.

FAQs

How can I use "every second ball" in a sentence?

You can use "every second ball" to describe a pattern or a selection process, such as, "The machine dispensed "every second ball" into a different container."

What is a synonym for "every second ball"?

A close synonym for "every second ball" is "every other ball", which carries the same meaning of alternating between items.

Is it correct to say "each second ball" instead of "every second ball"?

While "each" and "every" can sometimes be interchangeable, "every second ball" is the more common and natural phrasing to indicate a regular alternating pattern. "Each second ball" sounds slightly awkward.

What does "winning every second ball" mean in a sports context?

In sports, "winning "every second ball"" means consistently gaining possession or advantage on alternating plays or opportunities. It implies a strategic or tactical advantage in maintaining momentum.