pitched off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pitched off" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts to describe someone being thrown off balance or feeling disoriented, but it is not widely recognized. Example: "After the unexpected news, I felt completely pitched off and unsure of what to do next."

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Bruney will play catch for the third time Thursday but has not yet pitched off a mound.

The New York Times - Sports

Santana, who last pitched off a mound in October, threw 25 pitches without pain in his first bullpen session of the year.

The New York Times - Sports

Perversely, this isolated guffaw only added to the movie's uniquely creepy atmosphere; the sense of a world pitched off its axis.

The Guardian - Film

That was a great ball from Lyon, pitched off, turned toward leg but got really high bounce, and Bell trying to turn it away was surprised by that.

The Guardian - Sport

At some point or another, most town residents have seen Mr. Schultheis's tent pitched off Ferry Road, the main road that winds through the island.

The New York Times

The result was that the "great and good" of the best arts boards found themselves pitched off the board after two terms, allegedly on "Nolan grounds".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I pitch off my fastball".

The New York Times

Pitching off my fastball, everything comes off of that".

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees expect him to pitch off a mound tomorrow.

The New York Times - Sports

By April, he was pitching off a mound.

Los Angeles Times

"I really wasn't finishing pitches off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If clarity is paramount, especially in formal writing, prefer alternatives like "thrown off balance" or "derailed" to avoid potential ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "pitched off" in formal writing where clarity and precision are crucial. Opt for more conventional alternatives that are less open to misinterpretation to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pitched off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig suggests the meaning varies according to the context; it can describe physical displacement (like being thrown from something) or a more abstract disruption. Examples from the search results include a baseball context, a startup context, and a general context of something being 'off its axis'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3.33%

Formal & Business

3.33%

Encyclopedias

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pitched off" is a phrasal verb with multiple interpretations, ranging from physical displacement to mental disruption. Ludwig highlights that it's considered acceptable but not always grammatically precise, and its usage varies based on context. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, sometimes in a sporting context. While understandable, it should be used with consideration, especially in formal writing, where alternatives like "thrown off balance" or "derailed" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the ambiguity and select the phrase that conveys your precise meaning to avoid misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrown off balance

Focuses on the loss of stability or equilibrium, either physically or mentally.

knocked off course

Emphasizes a deviation from a planned or expected path or direction.

derailed

Suggests a more significant disruption or failure compared to a minor surprise.

taken aback

Highlights the element of surprise or astonishment that can accompany being "pitched off".

disconcerted

Implies a feeling of unease or confusion as a result of being "pitched off".

caught off guard

Focuses on the lack of preparedness when something unexpected happens.

disrupted

Emphasizes the interruption of a process or activity, causing it to be "pitched off".

unsettled

Describes a feeling of unease or anxiety resulting from the event.

surprised

Highlights the unexpected nature of being "pitched off", often implying a reaction of shock or amazement.

baffled

Conveys a sense of confusion and being unable to understand the reason for being "pitched off".

FAQs

How can "pitched off" be used in a sentence?

"Pitched off" can describe being physically thrown from something, like "Christopher Reeve was "pitched off" his horse". It can also mean being mentally unsettled or thrown off course.

What are some alternatives to "pitched off"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "thrown off balance", "derailed", "taken aback", or "disrupted".

Is it appropriate to use "pitched off" in formal writing?

While not grammatically incorrect, "pitched off" is more informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and conventional alternatives like "disrupted" or "thrown off course".

Does "pitched off" always refer to a physical action?

No, "pitched off" can refer to both physical actions (like being thrown from a horse) and more abstract situations, such as being mentally unsettled or a plan going wrong. Context is crucial in determining the intended meaning.