set a screen for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a screen for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports, particularly basketball, to describe the action of blocking a defender to free up a teammate for a play. Example: "During the game, he set a screen for his teammate, allowing him to take an open shot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I set a screen for the guard.

The New Yorker

The Liberty had closed its deficit to 59-57 when Schumacher set a screen for Miller.

The New York Times - Sports

Baron Davis dribbled to the key, passed to Wesley and then set a screen for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Over at the left elbow, Kevin Durant set a screen for Klay Thompson, who then took a handoff from McAdoo.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to set a screen for Stephon so he could come back to the ball," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pittsburgh guard Brad Wanamaker drew the assignment of stopping Walker on the final play, but the Huskies lured the Panthers into a mismatch by having forward Jamal Coombs-McDaniel -- guarded off the ball by the bulky center Gary McGhee -- set a screen for Walker at the top of the 3-point arc.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ibaka sets a screen for Kyle Lowry, who swings him the ball right back for an easy jumper from the free-throw line.

The Washington Post

With about five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Curry briefly lost his defender, Lillard, after setting a screen for Thompson, and received a pass from Green.

The New Yorker

"They had just called that same type of play and I got picked off by my own guy," Childs said of the 76ers' setting a screen for Iverson.

The New York Times - Sports

Bogut sets a screen for Curry -- you can see how open he already is.

Huffington Post

Iggy appears to be setting a screen for Curry in the paint.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set a screen for" in sports writing, be specific about the players involved and the intended outcome of the screen, providing context for the play.

Common error

Avoid using "set a screen for" in contexts where the word "screen" refers to a visual display; this phrase is primarily used in sports to describe blocking maneuvers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a screen for" functions as a verb phrase describing a tactical maneuver. Ludwig AI identifies its primary use in sports, specifically basketball, to describe blocking an opponent to free up a teammate. This is supported by numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a screen for" is a common and grammatically sound expression primarily used in sports, particularly basketball, to describe blocking maneuvers. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing about sports, using this phrase effectively helps illustrate teamwork and strategy. However, it's crucial to avoid misusing it in unrelated contexts. Alternatives like "provide a screen for" or "create a screen for" can offer subtle variations in meaning, while remaining contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a screen for

Replaces the action verb "set" with "provide", emphasizing the act of furnishing a screen.

create a screen for

Uses "create" instead of "set", highlighting the act of making a screen.

establish a screen for

Emphasizes the act of firmly putting a screen in place using the word "establish".

form a screen for

Focuses on the action of building or creating a barrier or screen.

lay a screen for

Uses "lay" to suggest the placement of a screen in a particular location.

position a screen for

Highlights the act of placing the screen in an advantageous spot.

arrange a screen for

Emphasizes the setup or arrangement of the screen.

offer a screen for

Highlights the act of presenting or providing the screen.

prepare a screen for

Indicates the action of getting the screen ready or in position.

deploy a screen for

Implies strategically placing the screen for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "set a screen for" mean in basketball?

In basketball, "set a screen for" means to block a defender to create an opening for a teammate.

Can I use "set a screen for" in a business context?

The phrase "set a screen for" is generally reserved for sports contexts. In a business context, consider using alternatives like "create an opportunity for" or "pave the way for".

What is a synonym for "set a screen for" in basketball?

A synonym for "set a screen for" in basketball is to "set a pick for".

Is it grammatically correct to say "setting a screen for"?

Yes, "setting a screen for" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct when used in progressive tenses or as a gerund.