foul to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul to be" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express something negative or undesirable, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "It is foul to be treated with such disrespect."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I didn't think it was much of a foul to be honest.

Independent

Once again, the referees hit him with a flagrant foul, to be followed by another suspension.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather than back away and wait for the technical foul to be called, McGrady cocked his fist and went after Jackson.

The New York Times - Sports

The home goalkeeper, Jamie MacDonald, was adjudged to have upended James Maddison by the referee, Willie Collum, with the fans expecting the foul to be called the other way.

The Guardian - Sport

"Then she said, 'Oh my God, I don't believe this, they stopped the clock, they stopped the clock.' That's why there was time for the foul to be committed.

The New York Times - Sports

It was Rutgers's first game since a 59-58 loss at No. 1 Tennessee, when the Lady Vols made two free throws after the clock seemed to pause with two-tenths of a second left, allowing a foul to be called before time expired.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The rule requiring foul balls to be caught on the fly was introduced three seasons later.

The New York Times

Under the sport's rules, if a player has no time to move her hands out of the way, no handball foul is to be given.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a foul, but for that to be a foul and a second yellow card is harsh".

BBC

And a portion of that foul air has to be associated with Uber.

TechCrunch

"But the question of foul play seemed to be taken out of his hands".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "foul to be" with more precise and common alternatives such as "wrong to be" or "unacceptable to be" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "foul to be" in formal writing or professional communication. While it may appear in informal contexts, its lack of grammatical clarity can detract from the overall quality and professionalism of your message. Opt for clearer alternatives in these scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul to be" functions primarily as a descriptor, aiming to convey a negative attribute. However, its usage is questionable, and it's considered grammatically dubious. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not a standard English expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "foul to be" appears in various sources, including news outlets and scientific publications, it is grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI characterizes it as non-standard. Its intended meaning is typically to denote something negative or undesirable, but clearer and more conventional phrasing, such as "wrong to be" or "unacceptable to be", is advisable to prevent confusion and ensure effective communication. Given its uncommon usage and grammatical ambiguity, avoiding "foul to be" in formal contexts is best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrong to be

Substitutes "foul" with a more general term for incorrectness or impropriety.

incorrect to be

Replaces "foul" with a direct synonym indicating inaccuracy.

unacceptable to be

Focuses on the idea of something not being permissible or tolerable.

improper to be

Emphasizes the lack of adherence to expected standards or norms.

inappropriate to be

Highlights the unsuitability of something in a given context.

unpleasant to be

Shifts the focus to the disagreeable or offensive nature of something.

offensive to be

Specifically addresses the causing of hurt feelings or resentment.

corrupt to be

Indicates moral decay or dishonesty.

tainted to be

Suggests something has been contaminated or spoiled.

despicable to be

Conveys a strong sense of contempt and disgust.

FAQs

What does "foul to be" mean?

The phrase "foul to be" is not a standard English expression and may sound awkward. It generally implies that something is wrong, unfair, or unpleasant, but it's better to use clearer alternatives like "wrong to be" or "unacceptable to be".

What are some alternatives to "foul to be"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use phrases such as "wrong to be", "incorrect to be", or "unacceptable to be".

Is it grammatically correct to use "foul to be"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "foul to be" is not a common or recommended construction. It is often better to use more standard and clearer phrasing to express your intended meaning.

In what contexts might "foul to be" be used?

"Foul to be" might appear in informal speech or writing. However, it's generally advisable to avoid this phrase in formal or professional settings in favor of more precise and conventional alternatives.