miss a game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miss a game" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to not being able to attend or participate in a scheduled game or match. Example: "Due to a family commitment, I will have to miss a game this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not miss a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Ripken didn't miss a game for 16 years.

The New York Times

Ovechkin will also miss a game Thursday at Carolina.

The New York Times

Leonhard broke his thumb Nov. 15 against Jacksonville but did not miss a game.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's tough to miss a game this late in the season," Rodgers said.

The New York Times - Sports

(He was allowed to miss a game once to attend the dance).

The New York Times - Sports

"I mean, that's not a serious illness, but you could miss a game or two".

The New York Times - Sports

"I know back in North Carolina, he told me he didn't miss a game".

The New York Times - Sports

Kemp always wanted to play — he did not miss a game — but his concentration lapsed.

The New York Times - Sports

He started both playoff games and did not miss a game in 2010, his rookie season.

The New York Times - Sports

Power forward Carlos Boozer is the only starter who has yet to miss a game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "miss a game" to clearly convey that someone will not be participating in a scheduled sporting event. Make sure that the context is related to a scheduled match and the individual was expected to participate.

Common error

Avoid using "miss a game" when the context suggests the person chose not to attend out of disinterest rather than a scheduling conflict, injury, or other unavoidable reason. Instead, use a phrase that clearly shows disinterest, like "chose not to attend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miss a game" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating absence from a scheduled sporting event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples show it in various contexts, predominantly in sports reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "miss a game" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's absence from a scheduled sporting event. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely used in news and media and understood across various registers. While alternatives exist, such as "sit out a game" or "be absent from a game", the phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning. It's important to provide context by specifying the reason for the absence to improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sit out a game

Focuses on the act of not participating, often due to a decision or injury.

be absent from a game

Emphasizes the state of not being present at the game.

be sidelined for a game

Highlights the reason for missing the game, often due to injury or suspension.

not play in a game

A straightforward way of saying someone will not participate.

be ruled out of a game

Suggests an official decision preventing participation.

take a game off

Indicates a deliberate choice to not play.

be unavailable for a game

Focuses on the player's condition of not being able to participate.

forego a game

implies a willing choice to not participate, often for strategic reasons.

skip a game

suggests missing a game by choice, often implying the person decided it.

be out for a game

implies a temporary absence from the field due to an injury or a suspension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "miss a game" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be absent from a game" or "be unavailable for a game". These options provide a slightly more professional feel.

What's the difference between "miss a game" and "sit out a game"?

"Miss a game" generally means being absent for any reason, while "sit out a game" often implies a deliberate choice or a decision due to injury or strategy.

Is it appropriate to use "miss a game" in professional writing?

Yes, "miss a game" is widely understood and acceptable in professional contexts, especially in sports journalism and reporting. However, formal settings might benefit from alternatives such as "be ruled out of a game".

What are some common reasons why someone might "miss a game"?

Common reasons include injury, suspension, personal reasons, or scheduling conflicts. The specific reason often influences how the phrase is used in context.