throw at

USAGE SUMMARY

"throw at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the act of throwing something at someone or something. For example, "He threw a rock at the window in anger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Warner will not throw at all Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Never throw at the bull's-eye".

The New York Times - Sports

"We just throw at different speeds.

The New York Times - Sports

"If he wants to throw at our guys, we'll throw at his guys, period," Piniella said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whatever you throw at me, I am equal to.

Independent

"It'll take about anything you throw at it".

The New York Times - Arts

What more could the writers possibly throw at us?

Independent

"Teams don't throw at him as much, or hardly ever.

The New York Times - Sports

"People didn't think that I could throw at Florida.

The New York Times - Sports

We take what mother nature can throw at us".

Independent

"It forces me to throw at least 10 more pitches".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throw at", ensure the context clarifies the target and the intent behind the action. Is it playful, aggressive, or simply directional?

Common error

Be careful when using "throw at" in writing, especially in sensitive contexts. Ensure your phrasing clearly indicates whether the action is literal or figurative to avoid unintended implications of aggression or hostility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw at" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of directing an object or something abstract towards a target. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "throw at" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase indicating the act of directing something towards a target. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts, from describing physical actions to metaphorical expressions of directing criticism. While its register is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to the context to avoid unintended negative connotations. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurl toward

Changes the verb to "hurl", implying a more forceful throw.

fling in the direction of

Replaces "throw" with "fling", suggesting a casual or careless throw and adds directionality.

aim a projectile at

More formal; emphasizes aiming and the object being thrown.

toss toward

Suggests a light, gentle throw.

direct an object at

A more general and formal way of saying "throw at", focusing on direction.

pelt with

Implies repeated throwing, often with small objects.

bombard with

Suggests a heavy and continuous barrage.

cast in the direction of

A more literary or dramatic way of saying "throw at".

launch in the vicinity of

More technical and less direct, suggesting a less precise aim.

pitch to

Common in baseball context.

FAQs

How can I use "throw at" in a sentence?

You can use "throw at" to describe the act of propelling something towards a target, as in, "He threw the ball at the wall" or figuratively, "They threw accusations at each other".

What does it mean to "throw something at" someone?

To "throw something at" someone implies directing a physical object or even words or accusations toward them. It can be literal or metaphorical.

Which is correct, "throw at" or "throw to"?

"Throw at" indicates directing something towards a specific target, while "throw to" implies a more cooperative action of tossing something to someone for them to catch. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to using "throw at"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "hurl toward", "fling in the direction of", or "aim a projectile at".