stop a ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop a ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports or games where the action of halting a ball's movement is relevant. Example: "The goalkeeper managed to stop a ball that was headed for the goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Imagine, some children pitch up at secondary school not knowing how to stop a ball with their feet.

The Guardian

Stokes, you'll recall, had used his hand to stop a ball thrown back at the stumps by Australian bowler Starc.

The Guardian - Sport

He must concentrate on every ball, being ready to stop a ball that passes the wicket, to stump a batsman if he leaves his ground, or to receive a ball returned to him by a fielder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the players traded the first two sets, Li made a show of humility, raising an open palm to stop a ball boy from retrieving an errant serve rolling her way.

The New York Times - Sports

U-GROOVE GOLF CLUBS First appearing on the PGA Tour in the late 80s, golf clubs with special U-grooved heads (rather than a conventional V-groove) allowed players to impart spectacular back spin that could stop a ball dead on the green.

The Guardian - Sport

The Welshman ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament sliding to stop a ball in the field during the first Test between England and Australia at The Gabba.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But it remains a game whose main purpose is moving or stopping a ball, not snapping bones or ligaments or causing concussions.

The New York Times

George Boyd, formerly of Hull, stopped a ball going dead and surprisingly stayed onside, and with the depleted defence expecting a whistle his cross was not dealt with quickly enough to prevent Ings joining in the pinball and beating Harper with a firmly struck shot.

The Guardian - Sport

The upturned greens require a genius short game - Johnny Miller once claimed that stopping a ball on them was about as easy as landing one onto the roof of a Volkswagen Beetle - so if Mickelson is anywhere near on song, he should be in the frame.

The Guardian - Sport

The 1788 version of the laws no longer required the umpires to take account of the batsman's intent; now a batsman was lbw if he stopped a ball that "pitch[ed] straight".

Wikipedia

The representatives supported a motion to alter the law to state that the batsman would be out if he stopped a ball that would have hit the wicket; in contrast to the existing wording, this took no account of where the ball pitched relative to the wickets.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of stopping a ball, consider including details about the method used (e.g., "diving to stop a ball") to provide a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

While "stop a ball" is generally correct, avoid using it repetitively when more descriptive verbs like "block", "intercept", or "catch" might be more appropriate and specific to the sport or action being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop a ball" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of halting the movement of a ball. This is evident from Ludwig's examples, where it's used to describe actions taken by players in various sports to prevent the ball from proceeding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stop a ball" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of preventing a ball from moving. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in sports-related news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and wiki entries. While the phrase is versatile, consider using more specific alternatives like "block a ball", "intercept a ball", or "catch a ball" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Remember that while the phrase is correct, overuse can be avoided by choosing verbs that more accurately reflect the specific action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

halt a ball

A more formal or general term for stopping the ball's movement.

block a ball

Focuses on the act of preventing the ball from passing a certain point or entering a specific area.

control a ball

Emphasizes bringing the ball under one's command, often involving stopping its momentum.

intercept a ball

Implies taking possession of the ball while it is in motion, preventing it from reaching its intended target.

catch a ball

Specifically refers to using one's hands or a glove to secure a moving ball.

save a ball

Typically used when a goalkeeper or other defensive player prevents the ball from entering the goal.

deflect a ball

Indicates changing the direction of the ball's trajectory rather than completely stopping it.

trap a ball

Often used in soccer or other sports where the ball is brought under control using the feet or body.

field a ball

Commonly used in baseball, referring to collecting a batted or thrown ball.

retrieve a ball

Focuses on recovering the ball, often after it has gone out of play or past a defender.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "stop a ball" in a sentence?

Use "stop a ball" to describe the act of preventing a ball from moving, often in a sporting context. For example: "The goalkeeper managed to stop a ball from entering the net."

Are there any synonyms for "stop a ball"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "block a ball", "intercept a ball", or "catch a ball" depending on the context.

In what sports is the phrase "stop a ball" commonly used?

The phrase "stop a ball" can be used in various sports, including soccer, cricket, baseball, and hockey, where preventing the ball's movement is crucial.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stopped a ball"?

Yes, "stopped a ball" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. For example: "He stopped a ball that was heading towards the goal."