match out

USAGE SUMMARY

"match out" is not a correct phrase in written English.
To use the expression "to match" in a sentence, you should say "match up" or "match with". For example: "She matched her shoes to her dress." or "They matched together perfectly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then we weren't able to close the match out after working hard to put ourselves in that position".

The New York Times - Sports

The fare was rarely inspirational and it felt as though both teams were content simply to see the match out before putting their feet up for Christmas.

Independent

"Alize is a great player, and I knew I was going to have to grind the match out," Mattek-Sands said.

The New York Times - Sports

"You know, I'd like to put them off first match out to be honest with you and get this crowd rocking".

The Guardian - Sport

The visitors saw the match out, though, and earned a point which may prove crucial in their quest for a European place.

BBC

Maria Nikolaevna grabbed the match out of his hand.

The New Yorker

"It seems like putting a match out with a fire hydrant," Dr. Smiley said.

The New York Times - Health

"It was a battle it was like a heavyweight boxing match out there".

The New York Times - Sports

Every year we witness fitness and skill, match in, match out.

The New York Times

But Djokovic should pull this match out and return to his fifth straight U.S. Open semifinal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Celtic were in control for the vast majority of the match, out-passing and out-classing their rivals and coming away with a clean, comfortable 2 -0 victory.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the grammatically questionable phrase "match out", use more accurate and common alternatives such as "finish the match" or "close out the match" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any combination of "match" and a preposition is grammatically correct. While "match up" and "match with" are valid, "match out" is not standard English. Double-check phrasal verb constructions to ensure they are idiomatic and grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match out" functions as part of a verb phrase, often attempting to describe the completion or conclusion of a sporting event or competition. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's not a correct phrase in written English. Examples in Ludwig show different intended meanings, creating ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "match out" appears in various contexts, particularly in sports and news reporting, it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not a proper phrase, and more accurate alternatives such as "finish the match" or "close out the match" should be preferred for clarity and correctness. Although it appears with some frequency in certain sources, writers should opt for more conventional expressions to avoid ambiguity and ensure grammatical soundness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close out the match

Highlights securing the victory and ending the match.

clinch the match

Emphasizes the definitive nature of the win.

finish the match

Directly indicates the ending of the game.

seal the win

Implies finalizing the win and preventing loss.

complete the match

Focuses on the action of finishing a game or competition.

secure the victory

Emphasizes the act of guaranteeing a win.

conclude the game

Emphasizes the act of bringing the game to a close.

emerge victorious

Adds a more formal tone to winning.

win the game

Focuses specifically on achieving victory.

pull off a victory

Suggests a more challenging or unexpected win.

FAQs

What does it mean to "close out" a match?

To "close out" a match means to finish it, usually by securing a win. It implies bringing the game or competition to a successful end, often after having a lead or advantage. It's similar to saying "finish the match" or "complete the game".

Is "match out" a correct way to say "complete a match"?

No, "match out" is not a standard or grammatically correct way to say "complete a match". Better alternatives include "finish the match", "close out the match", or simply "complete the match".

What are some other phrases I can use instead of "match out"?

Instead of "match out", consider using phrases like "finish the game", "conclude the match", or "seal the win", depending on the context. These alternatives are more grammatically sound and widely accepted.

How can I avoid using incorrect phrases like "match out" in my writing?

To avoid using incorrect phrases, always double-check phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions in a dictionary or grammar guide. Pay attention to the context in which you're using a phrase, and consider whether it aligns with standard English usage. If unsure, opt for simpler and more direct alternatives like "end the game" or "finish the match".