has struck out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has struck out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has failed to achieve something or has been unsuccessful, often in a context related to attempts or efforts. Example: "After several attempts to negotiate a deal, the company has struck out and will need to reconsider its strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has struck out 17 times.

The New York Times

She has struck out 1,723 batters.

The New York Times - Sports

He has struck out 58 in 561/3 innings.

The New York Times - Sports

He has struck out 119 times in 125 games.

The New York Times - Sports

He has struck out 49 times in 186 at-bats.

The New York Times - Sports

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Babe Ruth has struck out looking.

The New York Times - Sports

He has struck out 700 batters in less than 500 minor league innings.

The New York Times

He has struck out 17 Yankees in 13 and two-thirds innings.

The New York Times

Lincecum has struck out 8 of the 16 batters he has faced this series.

The New York Times - Sports

Through the first four games of the A.L.C.S., Boston has struck out 53 times.

The New York Times - Sports

Robertson has struck out the last eight batters he has faced.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about baseball, use "has struck out" to describe a batter's failure to hit the ball and being called out. In other contexts, consider more direct alternatives like "has failed" or "has been unsuccessful" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "has struck out" in formal writing where a direct and clear statement of failure is needed. The phrase carries an informal tone and might not be appropriate in all professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has struck out" functions as a compound verb indicating a completed action. It describes an instance where someone has failed to achieve a specific goal, often within the context of sports (baseball) or, more broadly, in other ventures. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has struck out" is a versatile verb phrase, commonly used to denote failure or lack of success in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and sports reporting. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives like ""has failed"" or ""has been unsuccessful"" in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "has struck out" judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the intended formality and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has failed

Direct synonym indicating a lack of success.

has been unsuccessful

Formal way to express a lack of success.

has not succeeded

Similar meaning to "has failed", emphasizing the absence of success.

has come up short

Idiomatic way of saying that someone didn't quite reach the goal.

has fallen short

Similar to 'has come up short', indicating a failure to meet expectations.

has been defeated

Indicates a loss, often in a competition or contest.

has missed the mark

Implies that the attempt was inaccurate or misdirected.

has launched independently

Similar to 'struck out on their own', used when talking about starting a business.

has gone solo

Synonymous with 'struck out on their own', conveying independence.

has tried unsuccessfully

Highlights the effort made, even though the result was not positive.

FAQs

What does "has struck out" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "has struck out" means a batter has accumulated three strikes during their at-bat, resulting in an out. This occurs when the batter swings and misses the pitch, doesn't swing at a pitch deemed a strike by the umpire, or fouls the ball off with fewer than two strikes.

What are some alternatives to "has struck out" in a business context?

In a business context, alternatives to "has struck out" include "has failed", "has been unsuccessful", or "has come up short". These phrases offer a more formal and direct way to express a lack of success.

How can I use "has struck out" in a sentence?

You can use "has struck out" in a sentence like this: "The company has struck out in its attempt to acquire the competitor." or "The batter has struck out three times in today's game."

Is it appropriate to use "has struck out" in academic writing?

While "has struck out" is understandable, it may be too informal for most academic writing. Consider using alternatives such as "has not succeeded" or "has been unsuccessful" to maintain a more professional tone.