perfect game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfect game" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports, particularly baseball, to describe a game in which a pitcher does not allow any opposing player to reach base. Example: "The pitcher achieved a perfect game, striking out 27 batters in a row without allowing any hits or walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What about a perfect game?

The New York Times - Sports

Perfect game.

The New Yorker

None pitched a perfect game.

The New York Times

Don Larsens perfect game.

The New York Times - Arts

THE PERFECT GAME Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

But he had no perfect game.

The New York Times

Verlander barely missed a perfect game.

The New York Times - Sports

He might have a perfect game".

The New York Times - Sports

Perfect game lost; game lost.

The New York Times - Sports

El Duque pitches perfect game.

The New York Times - Sports

Was it the perfect game?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perfect game" in sports writing, provide context to clarify which sport you're referring to, as its primary association is with baseball, but it can be used metaphorically in other sports. If not related to sports, make sure to give enough context to avoid confusion.

Common error

While "perfect game" can be used metaphorically to describe any flawless performance, overuse in non-sports contexts can dilute its impact. Instead, consider alternatives like "flawless execution" or "ideal outcome" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfect game" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a game in which every batter on one team is retired without reaching base. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in sports news and discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perfect game" is a common noun phrase, primarily used in the context of sports, especially baseball, to describe a flawless performance where no opposing player reaches base. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in news and media. While it can be used metaphorically, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "flawless performance" or "ideal outcome" in non-sports contexts for clarity. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawless performance

Emphasizes the absence of errors in a performance, similar to a "perfect game".

immaculate victory

Highlights the purity and completeness of a win, akin to the unblemished nature of a "perfect game".

ideal execution

Focuses on the perfect implementation of a plan or strategy, much like the precision in a "perfect game".

unblemished record

Refers to a history without any failures or mistakes, mirroring the flawless nature of a "perfect game".

masterful display

Highlights the skill and expertise demonstrated, similar to the exceptional performance in a "perfect game".

faultless achievement

Emphasizes the lack of any errors in accomplishing something, like the error-free nature of a "perfect game".

ideal performance

Similar to perfect performance, highlighting the performance as the most suitable or best possible.

definitive triumph

The victory is so comprehensive as to leave no doubt about the outcome.

complete success

Focuses on the totality of success, with no shortcomings or failures.

ultimate triumph

Highlights the final and greatest victory.

FAQs

How is "perfect game" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "perfect game" is commonly used to describe a game, especially in baseball, where a pitcher does not allow any opposing player to reach base. For example: "The pitcher threw a "perfect game", striking out every batter".

What are some alternatives to "perfect game"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "flawless performance", "immaculate victory", or "ideal execution".

Is "perfect game" only used in the context of baseball?

While primarily associated with baseball, "perfect game" can be used metaphorically in other sports or fields to describe a situation where everything goes exactly as planned without any mistakes. In cases where the meaning is not clear, it's better to use "flawless performance".

What makes a game a "perfect game"?

In baseball, a "perfect game" is achieved when a pitcher completes a game without allowing any opposing player to reach base. No hits, no walks, no hit batsmen, and no errors that allow a runner to reach base.