for sport

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for sport" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a prepositional phrase to indicate that something is being done for the purpose of enjoyment or amusement. Example: They went fishing for sport, not for food. In this sentence, "for sport" indicates that the individuals were fishing for the enjoyment of the activity, rather than for the purpose of catching food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For sport.

The New Yorker

It's for sport".

The Guardian - Sport

"We had to settle for sport".

The New York Times - Sports

("Barbarians like to spear babies for sport").

The New Yorker

It has been woefully underused for sport.

The Economist

I'm doing this purely for sport.

The New York Times - Books

These cats were also used for sport.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Now, I run for sport.

The New York Times - Sports

A great day for sport".

The Guardian - Sport

"There wasn't a nice atmosphere for sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Dad shot clay pigeons for sport.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for sport" to clearly indicate that an activity is pursued for enjoyment or recreation, rather than for practical purposes like survival or necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "for sport" when the activity has a primary goal other than enjoyment, such as professional competition or essential tasks. Using it in such contexts can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

For sport functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the purpose or motivation behind an action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates that something is done for enjoyment or amusement, rather than for a practical or necessary reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for sport" is a commonly used prepositional phrase indicating that an activity is pursued for enjoyment or recreation, rather than necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it clarifies the intent behind an action, distinguishing it from activities done for practical purposes. When employing this phrase, ensure the context aligns with leisure and enjoyment to avoid misinterpretation. Alternative phrases, such as "for recreation" or "for fun", can offer nuanced expressions of the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for enjoyment

Directly states that the activity is done to gain pleasure.

for recreation

Focuses on the recreational aspect, emphasizing leisure and enjoyment as the primary motivation.

for fun

Highlights the enjoyment and amusement derived from the activity.

as a hobby

Indicates a regular activity pursued for pleasure during leisure time.

for leisure

Emphasizes the free time aspect and the relaxed nature of the activity.

for amusement

Highlights the entertaining aspect of the activity.

for entertainment

Focuses on providing enjoyment and diversion.

in one's free time

Specifies the activity is done during periods of non-work or non-obligation.

as a pastime

Suggests a pleasant way to spend time.

for kicks

Implies a more informal and thrill-seeking motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "for sport" in a sentence?

You can use "for sport" to indicate that an activity is done for enjoyment rather than a practical purpose. For example, "They hunt "for sport", not for food".

What are some alternatives to "for sport"?

Alternatives include "for recreation", "for fun", or "as a hobby", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "doing something for sport"?

Yes, it is correct. It means the activity is done for enjoyment or recreation. For example, "He enjoys fishing "for sport"".

What is the difference between "for sport" and "as a job"?

"For sport" indicates an activity done for pleasure, while "as a job" means it is done for work or employment. They represent opposite motivations.