grab the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

"grab the ball" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when you are giving someone instructions or asking someone to do something. For example, you could say, "Can you grab the ball and bring it to me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somebody just has to grab the ball".

The New Yorker

Grab the ball, Jasmine!" during refereed games.

The New York Times

Where you just grab the ball as it comes by.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"My first reaction was, grab the ball, and then after that I blanked out," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They'll grab the ball right out of your hands," Bowden said.

The New York Times - Sports

And it is then that Boris will attempt to grab the ball and run with it.

The Guardian

When Ms. Taylor got the boys together to talk over their feelings, Sidney tried to grab the ball back.

The New York Times

"But I always work on trying to grab the ball and getting rid of it as soon as possible".

The New York Times

"The benefit to them is they get a seasoned, savvy reporter to grab the ball and run," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rushed off his line in the 76th minute to grab the ball and thwart a potential breakaway.

The New York Times

To quieten the Olimpiyskiy stadium the best ploy was to grab the ball and come at Kyiv.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grab the ball" in active voice for clear, direct instructions or descriptions. For example, "He needed to grab the ball quickly to win the game."

Common error

Avoid using "grab the ball" in highly formal or professional writing where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Opt for terms like "secure possession" or "gain control" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grab the ball" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing a physical action. It emphasizes the act of quickly taking possession of a ball. Ludwig's examples show it used in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

29%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grab the ball" is a common phrase used to describe the action of quickly taking possession of a ball. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While very common in contexts like news and media, and wiki entries, it is less frequently found in formal writing. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "secure the ball" or "gain possession" may be more appropriate. The most common use for "grab the ball" is to actively describe how to do something, or to provide real examples of quick action within sports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get the ball

Focuses on obtaining possession, similar to "grab the ball" but less immediate.

catch the ball

Specifically refers to intercepting a moving ball.

snatch the ball

Implies a quick, forceful action to take the ball.

seize the ball

Suggests taking control of the ball, often in a competitive context.

retrieve the ball

Emphasizes the act of recovering a ball that is out of play or lost.

capture the ball

Similar to seize but could imply strategy.

take the ball

More general term, but also suggest get.

fetch the ball

Often used in the context of training a dog, or small children, less serious.

steal the ball

Highlights an effort to take a ball away from another player.

secure the ball

Prioritize safety and control of the ball.

FAQs

How can I use "grab the ball" in a sentence?

You can use "grab the ball" in a sentence to describe the action of quickly taking possession of a ball. For example, "The player had to grab the ball before it went out of bounds."

What are some alternatives to "grab the ball"?

Some alternatives to "grab the ball" include "get the ball", "catch the ball", or "snatch the ball" depending on the context.

Is "grab the ball" appropriate for formal writing?

While "grab the ball" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or sports-related contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "secure the ball".

What does it mean to "grab the ball" in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "grab the ball" can mean to seize an opportunity or take initiative. It's similar to saying someone is "taking charge".