foul over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul over" is not correct and does not appear to be a standard expression in written English.
It may be intended to convey a sense of being upset or angry about something, but it is not commonly used or recognized. Example: "He tends to foul over minor mistakes, which can be quite frustrating for the team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fans are crying foul over the referees.

The New Yorker

Some pension watchers are crying foul over the practice.

The New York Times

A shareholder group is crying foul over the plan.

The New York Times

We tend to cry foul over protectionism elsewhere.

The Guardian - Business

The local advocacy group Access Info is crying foul over the lack of transparency.

The New York Times

The PAD cried foul over what it claimed was a loss of Thai territory.

The Economist

Anti-GM groups cried foul over India's lack of an independent biosafety regulator.

The Economist

Pressure on the EU to cry foul over Chechnya was as strong as ever.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We expect that these methods can be described in near future and become solutions to reduce the cost associated with fouling for industry, and can prevent long-term bio-fouling for those biomedical devices which are fouled over quickly, such as the colonization of bacteria on catheters, contact lenses, and surgical tools, so that the healthcare costs can be decreased.

Chemistry Central Journal

In reality, however, Ripa powers of physical surveillance have been used to spy on ordinary people for trivial offences, such as dog-fouling, over-filling their bins or lying about their children's school catchment area.

The Guardian - Opinion

This typified the scrappiness of the match at that stage as a series of fouls, over-hit passes and offside decisions prevented any sense of momentum in the play.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey strong disapproval, consider using the construction "cry foul over", but be mindful that it may still be perceived as informal.

Common error

Avoid using "foul over" in formal or academic writing. It may come across as too informal or even grammatically incorrect. Opt for more precise and widely accepted alternatives depending on your intended meaning and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul over" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase, most commonly seen in the expression "cry foul over". Despite its frequent usage, especially as seen in the Ludwig examples, Ludwig AI considers it grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foul over", while frequently used, particularly in the expression "cry foul over", presents a unique linguistic challenge. Ludwig AI suggests that the expression is not entirely grammatically correct, although it appears in numerous contexts, predominantly within news and media sources. Therefore, while its meaning is generally understood as expressing strong disagreement or protest, writers should exercise caution and consider more formal alternatives such as "object to" or "protest against", especially in academic or professional settings. The prevalence of this phrase underscores the importance of understanding both its common usage and its potential grammatical limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express disapproval of

Directly conveys the feeling of not approving of something.

object to

Focuses on the act of expressing disapproval or disagreement.

take exception to

Indicates a strong disagreement, often with a sense of offense.

raise objections to

Formal way of expressing disagreement and bringing up concerns.

protest against

Emphasizes a more active and public expression of disagreement.

deplore

Emphasizes a feeling of strong condemnation and disapproval.

denounce

Suggests a public and formal condemnation.

complain about

Highlights the act of expressing dissatisfaction or grievance.

criticize

Focuses on pointing out flaws or faults.

find fault with

Focuses on identifying and highlighting flaws or imperfections.

FAQs

How is "foul over" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "foul over" is often used with the verb "cry", as in "cry "foul over"" to express strong disagreement or protest about something.

What does it mean to "cry foul over" something?

To "cry "foul over"" something means to strongly protest or complain about it, often because you believe it is unfair or dishonest. It implies a sense of outrage or injustice.

Are there more formal alternatives to "cry foul over"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "object to", "protest against", or "raise objections to". These options are more suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is the phrase "foul over" grammatically correct?

While "foul over" is used, particularly in the phrase "cry "foul over"", it may not be considered entirely grammatically correct in all contexts. Using more standard alternatives can ensure clarity and precision.