getting on a mound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on a mound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports, particularly baseball, where it refers to a pitcher taking their position on the pitcher's mound. Example: "After warming up, the pitcher was ready, and he was getting on a mound to face the first batter of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And then, after that, hopefully I'll be able to start getting on a mound soon".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Santana has begun to play catch, but he will not get on a mound for another three months.

The New York Times - Sports

But when you get on a mound and put a hitter up there with a strike zone, that's the hardest part".

The New York Times - Sports

But last Sunday, less than 24 hours after General Manager Sandy Alderson said Santana would not get on a mound for 10 days, Santana threw an impromptu bullpen session to dispel notions that he was unprepared.

The New York Times

Pettitte will not be able to pitch in a game on Aug. 9, but he expects to be pain free and be able to get on a mound and begin the process of rebuilding his arm strength in time to pitch for the Yankees when his stint on the 60-day disabled list ends on Aug. 27.

The New York Times - Sports

Boone said Severino's shoulder felt "O.K., but just not where he wants to be". And the Yankees (5-5) are unsure why the pitcher's shoulder hasn't felt ready for him to get on a mound, the next step in the throwing program.

The New York Times - Sports

That distance will need to grow considerably before he can consider getting back on a mound for a bullpen session, something he has not done since March 6. "I'm just building up my strength and throwing more volume," he said.

The New York Times

He said he felt no pain and was hoping that doctors would let him get back on a mound next week.

The New York Times

I enjoy getting on the mound, and I enjoy working.

The New York Times - Sports

"I know he's looking forward to getting on the mound.

The New York Times - Sports

Hampton is simply getting on the mound and throwing the ball where he wants to.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pitcher's readiness, consider using "taking the mound" as a slightly more concise and common alternative to "getting on a mound".

Common error

Avoid using "getting on a mound" in contexts unrelated to baseball or similar sports. It can sound awkward or confusing if used metaphorically without a clear connection to the pitcher's position.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "getting on a mound" is to describe the action of a pitcher positioning themselves on the pitcher's mound in baseball. It functions as a prepositional phrase indicating location and action, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting on a mound" accurately describes the action of a pitcher positioning themselves on the pitcher's mound in baseball. While grammatically correct and commonly used, more concise alternatives like "taking the mound" may be preferred in some contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, primarily within news and sports-related content. Be mindful of overuse outside of baseball contexts to maintain clarity. The phrase serves to provide context and describe the physical preparation of a pitcher before throwing, aligning with typical sports narrative styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the mound

Emphasizes the act of assuming the pitcher's position.

mounting the pitching rubber

More specific, highlighting the physical action of stepping onto the rubber.

approaching the pitching mound

Focuses on the movement towards the mound.

toe the rubber

Idiomatic expression, referring to the pitcher's contact with the rubber.

taking the pitcher's position

A more formal way to describe the act of getting ready to pitch.

setting up on the hill

A more informal description, using "hill" as a synonym for mound.

preparing to pitch

Broader, encompassing all actions before throwing.

positioning oneself on the mound

Highlights the act of finding the correct position.

getting ready to throw

General phrase, emphasizing the preparation for pitching.

assuming the pitching stance

Focuses on the body posture adopted when pitching.

FAQs

What does "getting on a mound" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "getting on a mound" refers to a pitcher assuming their position on the pitcher's mound to prepare to throw the ball.

What can I say instead of "getting on a mound"?

You can use alternatives like "taking the mound", "approaching the mound", or "preparing to pitch" depending on the specific context.

Is "getting on a mound" formal or informal language?

"Getting on a mound" is generally considered neutral to informal language, suitable for sports reporting or casual discussion about baseball.

How is "getting on a mound" different from "taking the mound"?

While similar, "taking the mound" often implies more authority or readiness, while "getting on a mound" simply describes the action of positioning oneself there.