this is a foul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a foul" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports or discussions about behavior that is considered inappropriate or against the rules. Example: "After reviewing the play, the referee concluded that this is a foul and awarded a free kick to the opposing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is a foul.

Independent

This is a foul and worrying clampdown on necessary reporting.

Independent

Klopp had been angered by Jermaine Lens' tackle on Mamadou Sakho Speaking after the game on Wednesday night Klopp had said: "This is a foul.

Independent

This is a foul ball.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is a party foul.

TechCrunch

Pat Riley is rolling over in his seat right now if he thinks this is a flagrant foul.

Huffington Post

This is a technical foul and in some football games.

WikiHow

This includes knowing what is a foul, understanding what constitutes a double dribble, how to dribble, shoot, rebound, etc.

WikiHow

And, as it happened in Southampton, outside the box every action is a foul and this kid is anything but a diver".

The Guardian - Sport

A foul is a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

"A foul in England is a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is a foul" in sports commentary, be specific about which rule was violated to provide clarity for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "this is a foul" in formal writing unless you're intentionally drawing a parallel to a sports-related violation. Instead, opt for more appropriate terms like "this is unacceptable" or "this is inappropriate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a foul" functions as a declarative statement used to identify and point out a violation of rules or standards. As Ludwig AI points out, it is frequently used in sports contexts to denote an infraction, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

38%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a foul" is a phrase used to denote a violation of rules, commonly in sports contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though its frequency is relatively rare. While primarily used in news and media or informal settings, its application should be tailored to the context to avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "that's a violation" or "that's unfair" may be more suitable in non-sporting environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is foul play

Directly accuses someone of dishonest or unfair behavior, often implying malicious intent.

that's a violation

Indicates a breach of rules or regulations, similar to a foul but applicable in broader contexts.

that's out of order

Suggests something is inappropriate or unacceptable, extending beyond formal rules.

that's unacceptable

Expresses strong disapproval and a refusal to accept a situation or behavior.

that's not allowed

States that something is prohibited by rules or authority, mirroring the effect of a foul.

that's unfair

Highlights the inequity or injustice of a situation, often leading to the declaration of a foul.

that's illegitimate

Denotes something as unlawful or not in accordance with accepted standards.

that's misconduct

Refers to unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by someone in a position of authority.

this is not cricket

An idiom indicating unsportsmanlike or unfair behavior, particularly in British English.

that's a transgression

Emphasizes the violation of a moral or legal boundary.

FAQs

What does "this is a foul" mean in sports?

In sports, "this is a foul" indicates that a player has violated the rules of the game, resulting in a penalty for their team or an advantage for the opposing team.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is a foul"?

It's appropriate to use "this is a foul" when referring to a clear violation of rules, especially in sports or games. In other contexts, consider using "that's unfair" or "that's unacceptable".

What are some alternative ways to say "this is a foul" in a non-sports context?

In situations outside of sports, you could use phrases like "this is unacceptable", "this is inappropriate", or "this is wrong" depending on the specific context.

How does "this is foul play" differ from "this is a foul"?

"This is foul play" implies intentional or malicious unfairness, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cheat or deceive. "This is a foul" simply indicates a rule violation, which may or may not be intentional.