match point

USAGE SUMMARY

"match point" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in sports, particularly in games like tennis and volleyball, to denote the point at which one team or player has the opportunity to win the match. Example: The tension was high as the two tennis players battled it out on the court. Both had won four sets each, and it was now match point for the defending champion. With a powerful serve, he secured the final point and won the match.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was match point.

The New Yorker

It's match point for Russia.

The New York Times

Second match point.

The Guardian - Sport

Wawrinka has match point!

The Guardian - Sport

Triple match point.

The New York Times

Russell had match point.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't get my match point.

The New York Times - Sports

"What a match point, unbelievable," Djokovic said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I put 6-5 on match point.

The New York Times - Sports

Match point for Federer... rescued!

The Guardian - Sport

One more match point, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "match point" specifically when referring to a point that, if won, will end the entire match, not just a game or set.

Common error

Avoid using "match point" when "game point" or "set point" is more appropriate. "Match point" signifies the final point in a match, while "game point" refers to the final point in a single game.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match point" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific state in a game or match. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it denotes the moment when one player or team needs only one more point to win the entire competition. Its function is primarily descriptive, pointing to a crucial juncture in the game.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "match point" is a very common noun phrase used to describe the point in a game or match that, if won by a particular player or team, will result in their victory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in the context of News & Media. It is essential to use "match point" accurately, distinguishing it from similar terms like "game point" and "set point". While primarily used in sports, its metaphorical applications are less common. High quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, showcase its use in real-world sporting scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winning point

Emphasizes the point that secures victory, similar to match point.

decisive moment

Highlights the critical nature of the point in determining the outcome.

game-winning opportunity

Focuses on the chance to win the entire game, akin to match point.

point of victory

Directly refers to the point that leads to winning the match.

chance to clinch the match

Emphasizes the opportunity to secure the match win.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance of the moment in determining the outcome.

make-or-break moment

Focuses on the high stakes and potential impact of the point.

the final point

Refers to the point needed to end the game or competition.

the ultimate point

Highlighting the point as a culminating moment.

game ball

Borrowing from baseball terminology to indicate the final opportunity.

FAQs

How is "match point" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "match point" indicates a pivotal moment in a game when one player or team can win the entire match. For example: "It was "match point" for Federer, but Nadal fought back fiercely".

What's the difference between "match point", "game point", and "set point"?

"Match point" refers to the final point needed to win a match, "game point" refers to the final point needed to win a game within a set, and "set point" is the final point needed to win a set.

Can "match point" be used outside of sports?

While primarily used in sports, "match point" can metaphorically describe a critical point in any competitive situation where success is imminent. However, this usage is less common.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "match point"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "winning point", "decisive moment", or "game-winning opportunity" to convey a similar meaning.