four balls in a row

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "four balls in a row" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, games, or any situation where items are arranged sequentially. Example: "He managed to score four balls in a row during the game, setting a new record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

After a strike, Washburn threw four balls in a row.

The New York Times - Sports

After two strikes and a foul, Berkman took four balls in a row.

The New York Times - Sports

Damon took four balls in a row, and though Torre said Heredia thought two of them could have been called strikes, Damon disagreed.

The New York Times - Sports

Sabathia walked his second hitter on four pitches, and ended his day with another stretch of four balls in a row.

The New York Times - Sports

He threw four balls in a row after strike one to Mora, and Hairston then battled him for nine pitches, smoking a grounder to short that Derek Jeter turned into a double-play grounder.

The New York Times - Sports

But he walked Damon on five pitches to lead off the third, and after an out, he threw four balls in a row to David Ortiz after getting ahead, 0-2.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Engineers in Munich have built a pool-playing automaton that can pot five balls in a row.

The Economist

With two outs in the first, Schilling got ahead of Gary Sheffield, then threw three balls in a row.

The New York Times - Sports

After winning Game 1 rather handily, Tony had begun Game 2 by sinking eight balls in a row.

The New York Times

After Bere's leadoff single, Trachsel threw six balls in a row while the Cubs were trying to bunt.

The New York Times - Sports

Dad would say, 'You guys can go to the candy store if Ryan can catch two balls in a row,' and I never could".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "four balls in a row" in sports writing, specify the context to enhance clarity (e.g., "four strikes in a row", "four birdies in a row").

Common error

Avoid using "four balls in a row" when the context is not clear. Ensure the reader understands what constitutes a 'ball' in the given scenario to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "four balls in a row" typically functions as a descriptive phrase, specifying a sequence of events. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found describing events in sports, as illustrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "four balls in a row" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression, primarily used to describe a sequence of events, especially in sports contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently used in news and sports reporting. When using the phrase, ensuring clarity of context is key. Alternatives such as "four consecutive balls" or "four straight balls" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

four consecutive balls

Replaces "in a row" with "consecutive" offering a more formal tone while preserving the original meaning.

four balls sequentially

Emphasizes the order of the balls using the adverb "sequentially"

four balls in succession

Substitutes "in a row" with "in succession", providing a slightly more formal alternative.

four successive balls

Replaces "in a row" with the more formal "successive".

four straight balls

Uses "straight" as a more casual synonym for "in a row"

a sequence of four balls

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the "sequence" of the balls.

four balls one after another

Explains the sequence using a more descriptive phrase.

four balls running

Uses "running" to indicate the continuous nature of the balls.

four uninterrupted balls

Emphasizes that the balls occurred without any breaks.

four balls back-to-back

Highlights the immediate sequence of the balls.

FAQs

How can I use "four balls in a row" in a sentence?

You can use "four balls in a row" to describe a sequence of events or actions, particularly in sports or games. For example: "The batter took four balls in a row and walked to first base."

What can I say instead of "four balls in a row"?

You can use alternatives like "four consecutive balls", "four straight balls", or "four successive balls" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "four balls in a row"?

Yes, "four balls in a row" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in sports-related contexts. The phrase is easily understood and widely accepted.

What does "four balls in a row" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "four balls in a row" typically refers to a batter being walked after the pitcher throws four pitches outside the strike zone consecutively.