in goal

USAGE SUMMARY

"in goal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a desired outcome or end point. For example, "I have set a goal to finish this project in two months, and I'm determined to stay on track so that I can achieve my goal in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mike Richter continues to struggle in goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Kiko Casilla starts in goal.

BBC

Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic starts in goal.

BBC

Hope Solo starts in goal.

Los Angeles Times

In goal?

The New York Times

A standoff in goal?

The New York Times

Amos was in goal through choice.

Independent

Bogdan Lobont replaced Stekelenburg in goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Johan Hedberg was solid in goal.

The New York Times

He was horrible in goal every time.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

As an aside, the in-goal areas are absurdly shallow.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a player's position during a match or game, use "in goal" to clearly indicate they are acting as the goalkeeper.

Common error

Avoid using "in goal" in contexts outside of sports or games where a specific area needs defending by a designated player. It is not typically used metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in goal" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the position or role someone is taking, especially in sports. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples of players being "in goal".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in goal" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that someone is acting as a goalkeeper, mainly used in sports contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it tends towards informal in conversational settings. When writing, remember to confine its usage to sports-related scenarios to avoid misapplication. Consider alternatives like "goalkeeping" or "between the posts" for nuanced expression. Avoiding the incorrect preposition "at" instead of "in" will maintain clarity and correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between the posts

Emphasizes the physical location of the goalkeeper.

goalkeeping

Focuses on the action of being a goalkeeper, rather than the position itself.

keeping goal

Similar to goalkeeping; it's about the role itself.

defending the net

Highlights the protective role of the player.

guarding the goal

Similar to defending the net, but with a slightly different connotation.

manning the goal

Implies actively controlling the goal area.

playing goalkeeper

A more verbose way of saying "in goal", focusing on the action.

as goalie

A shortened, informal way of saying "in goal".

at the goalkeeper position

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

stopping shots

Describes the primary function of the person "in goal".

FAQs

How is "in goal" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "in goal" is usually used to indicate that a player is acting as the goalkeeper. For example, "The coach decided to put the new recruit "in goal" for the second half of the game."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "in goal"?

Depending on the context, you could say someone is "goalkeeping", "between the posts", or "guarding the goal".

Is it correct to say "at goal" instead of "in goal"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "in". Saying someone is ""in goal"" indicates that they are positioned as the goalkeeper.

Can "in goal" be used in contexts other than sports?

While primarily used in sports to indicate a player is goalkeeping, it's uncommon to use ""in goal"" in other contexts. It is best to reserve its usage for scenarios involving a net or goal that requires a designated defender.