two strokes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two strokes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing sports, art, or any activity that involves a two-part action or movement. Example: "The artist completed the painting in just two strokes of the brush, showcasing her incredible skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was penalized two strokes.

The New York Times - Sports

He has had two strokes.

The Economist

Jones won by two strokes.

The New York Times - Sports

There had been two strokes.

The Guardian - Music

He failed to penalise himself two strokes.

The Guardian - Sport

He won by two strokes and was not really surprised.

The New York Times - Sports

Kerr closed with a 71 and finished two strokes back.

The New York Times - Sports

Three putts, another bogey, again two strokes behind.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2009, Dial had the first of the two strokes.

The New Yorker

She'd suffered two strokes and had high blood pressure.

The New York Times

Donald began the fourth round two strokes back.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions, be precise and avoid ambiguity. Using "two strokes" clearly indicates the number of stroke events experienced by an individual.

Common error

Avoid using "two strokes" loosely in contexts where clarity is crucial. In sports, it clearly refers to a score. In medical contexts, ensure you are clear about whether you mean two separate stroke events or aspects of a single stroke event.

Linguistic Context

Two strokes primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, with examples showing its role in describing quantities, medical events, and sports scores.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "two strokes" is a versatile term commonly used to denote a quantity of two, whether referring to medical events or sports scoring. Ludwig AI affirms its accuracy, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, the register can shift to formal or scientific depending on the source. To ensure clarity, especially in medical contexts, it's important to specify whether you're discussing separate stroke events or aspects of a single event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pair of strokes

This alternative uses "pair" to emphasize the duality in a more descriptive way.

double strokes

This option uses "double" to indicate the quantity more directly, suitable when focusing on the number.

couple of strokes

This is a more casual way of saying "two strokes", suitable for informal contexts.

dual strokes

Uses "dual" to highlight that there are two separate actions involved.

a brace of strokes

Offers a more formal, slightly archaic way to refer to two strokes.

two instances of stroke

This is more specific, emphasizing the separate occurrence of each stroke, useful in medical contexts.

binary strokes

Emphasizes the binary or two-part nature of the strokes.

a second pair of strokes

Indicates that the pair of strokes is happening in addition to a previous stroke

a repetition of strokes

Highlights the action of repeating strokes.

repeated strokes

Describes multiple stroke events.

FAQs

How is "two strokes" used in golf scoring?

In golf, "two strokes" typically refers to the number of strokes a player is ahead or behind another player or the leader. For example, "He won by "two strokes"" means he finished with a score two strokes better than the next best player.

What does it mean when someone has had "two strokes" medically?

Medically, "two strokes" indicates that a person has experienced two separate cerebrovascular events where blood supply to the brain was interrupted. This can lead to varying degrees of neurological damage and functional impairment.

Are there alternatives to saying someone "won by two strokes"?

Yes, alternatives include "winning with a "two-stroke margin"", "finishing two strokes ahead", or "securing a "two-stroke victory"". The specific wording can depend on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "two strokes" in formal writing?

Yes, "two strokes" is appropriate in formal writing across various contexts, including medical reports, sports journalism, and general news articles. Its meaning is clear and concise, making it suitable for professional communication.