for extra innings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for extra innings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of baseball to refer to additional innings played when the game is tied at the end of the regulation innings. Example: "The game was so exciting that it went for extra innings, thrilling the fans until the very last moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Held at JSerra and Mater Dei, the games will match ace vs ace, and thank goodness those two venues have lights, because prepare for extra innings in some games.

Los Angeles Times

And when Ausmus drilled a full-count homer off Dennis Cook with one out in the bottom of the ninth, the Mets and Astros were headed for extra innings for the third time in four raucous games.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet given its unique nature, if the economy were a baseball game, this cycle should only be in the seventh inning and could have potential for extra innings.

Forbes

In contrast, there are only 27 outs in a game (unless a tie calls for extra innings).

The Economist

Of course, the Orioles have also shown an affinity for extra innings.

The New York Times - Sports

The forgotten Yankee was in the game because Manager Joe Torre wanted to use a long man for extra innings.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Furthermore, if the teams are tied after the set number of innings, the game can drag on for an unlimited number of extra innings until one team prevails.

Los Angeles Times

To outline over/under simply, the wager is placed on the total runs scores for the entire game, inclusive of extra innings.

WikiHow

Berkeley gets a new chancellor, the Bay gets a new bridge, China goes looking for resources, extra innings for Cal Baseball, etc. Stories of childhood, parenting, and old age with Ursula K. Le Guin, Paula Fass, Kenneth Brower, et al. Four outsiders get grounded at Cal Putinn punked in gay Russia; a second generation scrapbook; and the truth behind Argo.

University of California, Berkeley

REDS TOP MARLINS IN 11 Joey Votto drove in the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the 11th inning, and the visiting Cincinnati Reds beat the Florida Marlins in extra innings for the second night in a row, 10-8.

The New York Times

Carlos Beltran, who went 0 for 2 in extra innings Saturday, shook his head and said: "I don't have one.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for extra innings" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to extending an activity or process beyond its typical duration.

Common error

Avoid using "for extra innings" in contexts where the reference to baseball is unclear or irrelevant. This can confuse readers unfamiliar with the sport's terminology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for extra innings" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs or clauses by indicating a duration or extension, particularly in the context of baseball. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for extra innings" is a prepositional phrase that's grammatically correct and primarily used to describe the extension of a baseball game beyond its standard nine innings. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is valid in written English. Metaphorically, it signifies a prolonged situation beyond its expected duration. While generally neutral in tone, its use leans towards informal contexts, particularly in News & Media sources. Though understandable, non-baseball-related applications require contextual clarity. Semantically related alternatives include phrases like "into additional innings".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

into additional innings

Focuses on the continuation of play using the term "additional" instead of "extra".

to overtime in baseball

Uses the term "overtime" which is more common in other sports, but conveys a similar meaning in baseball.

past regulation play

Emphasizes the exceeding of the standard playing time.

beyond the ninth inning

Specifically refers to exceeding the typical nine innings in baseball.

requiring continued play

Highlights the necessity of further gameplay to determine a winner.

leading to extended play

Emphasizes the lengthening of the game's duration.

necessitating further innings

More formally indicates the need for more innings.

resulting in a prolonged game

Focuses on the outcome of an extended game.

demanding more game time

Highlights the need for additional playtime.

into a continuation of the game

General term emphasizing the continuation of the game beyond its standard length.

FAQs

How is "for extra innings" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "for extra innings" describes a situation in baseball where the game continues beyond the standard nine innings because the score is tied. Metaphorically, it can describe any situation that extends beyond the expected timeframe.

What's a less baseball-specific alternative to "for extra innings"?

If you want to avoid the baseball reference, consider using phrases like "into additional innings", "leading to extended play", or simply "extended" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "for extra innings" in non-sports contexts?

Yes, but use it carefully. The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe situations that go on longer than expected. Ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.

What does "extra innings" refer to in baseball?

In baseball, "extra innings" are additional innings played when a game is tied after the regulation number of innings (usually nine). The game continues until one team scores more runs than the other at the end of an inning.