on the field

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the field" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase usually refers to a physical space, such as a playing field, but can also refer to figurative spaces such as a field of study. Here is an example sentence using this phrase: "The teacher was teaching his students about the weather on the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Trainers on the field.

The New York Times

Play on the field.

The New York Times

Tarp still on the field.

The New York Times

On the field, anything goes.

The New York Times

On the field, Crocker meant.

The New York Times - Sports

Wildly inconsistent on the field.

Independent

See you on the field.

The New Yorker

On the field, that is.

The New York Times - Sports

There are police officers on the field.

The New York Times

Brazilians have few peers on the field.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the field" to describe physical presence and activity during a sporting event or similar competitive scenario. It can also be used metaphorically to describe active involvement in a particular area of activity.

Common error

Avoid using "on the field" when describing abstract concepts or situations that lack a direct connection to physical activity or competition. Instead, choose phrases that accurately reflect the context, such as "in this area" or "regarding this matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the field" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a location or state of being actively involved in an activity, particularly in sports. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

30%

General Conversation

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the field" is a frequently used prepositional phrase that commonly denotes presence and activity during a sporting event or a competitive scenario. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase extends metaphorically to describe active involvement in various areas. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with physical or active involvement to avoid misuse. Alternatives include "in action" or "in play" depending on the specific situation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, being appropriate in both news and general conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the court

Similar to "on the field" but refers to sports played on a court.

in action

Focuses on the act of performing or engaging in an activity.

in play

Implies the state of being actively involved in a game or competition.

at the game

Specifically refers to being present and involved in a sports match.

in competition

Highlights the competitive aspect of being actively involved.

actively participating

Emphasizes the active role and involvement in an activity.

on stage

Refers to performing arts or presentations.

at work

Indicates being engaged in professional duties.

in practice

Focuses on the aspect of rehearsing or training.

in the thick of it

Suggests being deeply involved in a challenging or intense situation.

FAQs

How can I use "on the field" in a sentence?

You can use "on the field" to describe where athletes are playing, such as "The coach gathered the players "on the field" for a pep talk" or to suggest that someone is actively participating in a particular activity or competition.

What are some alternatives to "on the field"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "on the field" include "in action", "in play", or "at the game".

Is it appropriate to use "on the field" in a business context?

While primarily associated with sports, you can use "on the field" metaphorically in a business context to refer to the active execution of strategies or projects. For example, "Our sales team is "in action", implementing the new marketing plan".

What's the difference between "on the field" and "off the field"?

"On the field" refers to activity during play, while "off the field" refers to activities or situations outside of gameplay, such as training, recovery, or personal life.