volley

USAGE SUMMARY

'volley' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to hit or kick a ball back and forth over a net, or as a noun meaning a series of such exchanges. Example sentence: The players volleyed the ball back and forth for several minutes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has a great technique in his volley [but] to come to the net [effectively] you need to start with the first two, three steps, to get the feeling that you're covering and have the right position in the court".

The Guardian - Sport

Jamie Cripps kicked five goals; the best a flying volley from the goal-square in the third term to put the Eagles ahead.

The Guardian - Sport

It had the chutzpah of Charlie Adam's 65-yard missile against Chelsea, the touch and technique of Wayne Rooney's swivelling volley against Aston Villa and the did-that-actually-just-happen quality of Jermain Defoe's winner for Sunderland against Newcastle United, and above all it was a gloriously subtle goal, instinct combining with a clear thought-process to devastating effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Two double faults gifted Safarova another break for 6-5 before a snatched volley into the net helped the Czech hold to love and clinch the first set.

The Guardian - Sport

A volley of personal memoirs from the famous and not so famous has begun to spread the message: it's not your fault, it can happen to anyone, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mehmet struck a superb volley into the left-hand corner in the 82nd minute to claim a deserved point.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the best headers of the ball in the world, the 35-year-old also packs a mean volley - just ask the Netherlands.

The Guardian - Sport

Saints' demise was complete when Adam nipped the ball away from Sadio Mané in the box and swept a volley past Davis.

The Guardian - Sport

The full-back Luca Antonini, who had scored just once in the last seven seasons, provided the opener with a fine inside-of-the-boot volley; his team's second, was slotted home by Emanuele Calaiò, after an inspired first-time pass from Alberto Gilardino earlier in the move.

The Guardian - Sport

The forward then clipped it over Syme but sent his volley wide.

The Guardian - Sport

They opened the scoring with a masterful volley from Paul Pogba, but after Napoli equalised in the second half, the Bianconeri regained their lead through a Martín Cáceres goal that should have been disallowed for offside.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "volley" in sports contexts, ensure the reader understands the specific sport you're referencing, as the term is most commonly associated with tennis, volleyball and soccer but can be used in other sports as well.

Common error

While "volley" can figuratively describe a rapid exchange (e.g., "a volley of insults"), avoid overuse in contexts where more precise verbs like "exchange", "launch", or "deliver" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "volley" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents a simultaneous discharge of missiles or a rapid exchange. As a verb, it describes the act of hitting a ball before it touches the ground, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sport

42%

General Communication

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "volley" is a versatile term that can be used both as a noun and a verb. It commonly refers to a rapid exchange, whether in sports, warfare, or figurative contexts. Ludwig shows that it's widely used in news and media, particularly in sports reporting. To improve your writing, avoid overusing "volley" in non-sporting contexts, and ensure that when you do use it, the reader understands the specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, "volley" is a correct and usable word in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a salvo

Denotes a simultaneous discharge of artillery or other firearms in a military context.

a fusillade

Specifically refers to a rapid series of shots fired simultaneously or in quick succession.

a burst

Focuses on the sudden release or expulsion of something, like energy or emotion.

a barrage

Implies a continuous and overwhelming outpouring of something, whether it be questions, criticism, or projectiles.

a hail

Suggests a large number of things falling or being directed at someone simultaneously.

a shower

Similar to "hail" but often used for less intense or more figurative situations.

a storm

Indicates a tumultuous and often chaotic outpouring or release.

a rain

Suggests a steady and continuous flow or fall of something.

a cascade

Implies a flowing downward of a large quantity of something.

a torrent

Denotes a strong and fast-moving stream of liquid or other substance.

FAQs

How is "volley" used in tennis?

In tennis, "volley" refers to hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces on your side of the net. It's an aggressive tactic to put the opponent on the defensive.

What does it mean to "volley" in soccer?

In soccer, to "volley" means to strike the ball while it's still in the air, without letting it touch the ground. It's often a spectacular way to score a goal.

When can I use "volley" figuratively?

You can use "volley" figuratively to describe a rapid exchange of words, ideas, or anything else. For example, "They engaged in a "volley of arguments"".

Are there synonyms for "volley" in a non-sporting context?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use words like "burst", "fusillade", or "salvo" to convey a similar meaning.