sports

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sports" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to physical activities or games that involve competition, typically in a general context or when discussing various types of athletic activities. Example: "Many people enjoy watching sports on television, especially during major events like the Olympics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Not only is the GAA a classic Victorian organisation, it has been much more faithful to its origins in late-19th-century sporting culture than the English sports that influenced it.

The Guardian

Potter was one of the most recognisable figures in extreme sports.

The Guardian

All sports have their ups and downs of course, and cricket is not alone in producing sports stars with depression.

The Guardian - Sport

At about the age of six, our daughter had an arrangement imposed on her that was difficult enough in practical terms: her father was often out of the country and unable to support her weekend sports commitments simply because they were always somewhere else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While it has a close relationship with Indiana's capital city, college sports have been at the forefront of several breakthroughs for gay rights in the last two years, and the young adults and college students the NCAA represents have generally been supportive of those changes.

The Guardian - Sport

Build a maritime education institute and a sports complex.

The Guardian

It was only a few years later that I first met him and can make the claim to the second-hand kudos of having known him for rather longer and perhaps slightly better than most sports writers.

The Guardian - Sport

It's known as a winter sports destination, but savvy travellers head to Switzerland's Engadine in autumn, when the larches turn golden, the skies are ice blue and there's a dusting of snow on the mountaintops.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But the majority of search and rescue is not dealing with extreme-sports enthusiasts.

The Guardian - Sport

Meltdown, which opened last June, is the UK's first e-sports bar, the London outpost of a small French chain.

The Guardian - Tech

"I was living in Paris, where there is a more developed e-sports scene.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "sports", be specific about the type or context to enhance clarity (e.g., winter sports, college sports).

Common error

Avoid using "sports" without context when discussing specific activities. Instead of saying "He is good at sports", specify which "athletic activity" he excels at.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "sports" is as a plural noun, referring to various physical activities and games. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, supporting its role in describing diverse athletic endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Business

5%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sports" functions as a versatile plural noun, broadly encompassing physical activities and games. It is grammatically sound, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, and enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and dedicated sports reporting. When writing, specificity enhances clarity; instead of broad statements, detail the sports you are referencing. For alternatives, consider "athletic activities" or "physical games" to align more closely with the intended meaning. Remember that overgeneralization is a common pitfall and should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

athletic activities

Focuses on the physical exertion and skill involved.

physical games

Emphasizes the competitive and rule-based nature of "sports".

sporting events

Highlights the organized competitions within "sports".

competitive pastimes

Suggests "sports" as a leisure activity with a competitive element.

physical contests

Highlights the confrontational aspect of "sports" activities.

outdoor games

Narrows the scope to "sports" played outdoors.

recreational athletics

Focuses on the amateur and enjoyable aspect of "sports".

organized games

Emphasizes the structured nature and rules governing "sports".

team competitions

Specifies "sports" involving teams.

individual athletics

Specifies "sports" focused on a single participant.

FAQs

How can I use "sports" in a sentence?

You can use "sports" to refer to various physical activities and games. For instance, "Many schools offer a variety of sports" or "Watching sports is a popular pastime".

What is a more formal alternative to "sports"?

In formal contexts, consider using "athletics" or "physical education" as alternatives to "sports", especially when discussing school programs or policies.

What's the difference between "sports" and "athletics"?

"Sports" is a more general term encompassing a wide range of physical activities, while "athletics" often implies a more organized and competitive context. Both can be used interchangeably depending on context.

Which sports are most popular?

The popularity of "sporting events" varies by region, but globally popular sports include football (soccer), basketball, and cricket.