what a foul

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a foul" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in sports contexts to express disapproval or surprise at a foul committed by a player. Example: "The referee blew the whistle, and the crowd erupted in disbelief, shouting, 'What a foul!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I had better learn what a foul is in this division".

Independent

My brief spells in the private rental market (in between homes) revealed what a foul, expensive and unsettling experience it can be.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I've got to learn what a foul is because I thought Nacer Chadli deliberately bodychecked Stephen Dobbie, smashed him down and ran off with the ball," Holloway told the BBC.

Independent

"I've got to learn what a foul is because I thought Nacer Chadli deliberately bodychecked Stephen Dobbie, smashed him down and ran off with the ball," the Palace boss told the BBC.

Independent

The 50-year-old said: "I've got to learn what a foul is because I thought Chadli deliberately body-checked Dobbie, smashed him down, and ran off with the ball.

BBC

He also tweeted (what a foul word that is...tweeted), "ok homeboy you done went too far, making me out to be something that has brought this country alot of heartache...I don't care about the fine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

You don't have a become an expert, just understand the basic rules like the roles of all the players, how to score, what's a foul and what's not and the offside rule.

WikiHow

Everybody understands what a playoff foul is -- no layups, hard fouls, make the guy think about coming in there.

The New York Times - Sports

But what is a foul?

The New York Times - Magazine

In comic reference to his reputation as a control freak, Saban talked the other day about an off-season basketball league in Tuscaloosa in which he claimed to choose the teams, decide who has to guard him and occasionally determine what constitutes a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a foul" to express strong disapproval or surprise at a perceived unfair action, particularly in sports contexts. Ensure the context clearly relates to a violation of rules or fair play.

Common error

Avoid using "what a foul" in contexts where a simple mistake, rather than a rule violation or act of unfair play, has occurred. It is best suited for situations where there is a clear breach of regulations or ethics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a foul" functions as an exclamatory interjection, expressing strong disapproval or surprise. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for expressing dismay, particularly in response to perceived unfairness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a foul" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disapproval or surprise at an action, particularly in sports contexts. According to Ludwig, it is often used to denote outrage or disagreement, specifically when a violation of rules or fair play is perceived. While primarily informal, it appears in news reports and online discussions, making it a versatile option for conveying negative sentiments. Consider context and audience when using this phrase, as it may not be suitable for formal settings. Alternatives like "what a penalty" or "what an infraction" can provide a similar message with slight differences in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a penalty

Replaces "foul" with "penalty", specifically in a sporting context.

what an infraction

Uses a more formal term for a violation or breach of rules.

that's a bad call

Expresses disagreement with a referee's decision.

that's a terrible decision

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the call made.

what an injustice

Highlights the unfairness of the situation or ruling.

how unfair

A more direct way of pointing out the lack of fairness.

that's outrageous

Conveys strong indignation or shock at the perceived injustice.

unbelievable call

Expresses disbelief at the referee's decision.

what a mockery

Implies that the situation makes a mockery of the rules or fair play.

that was daylight robbery

An idiomatic expression suggesting blatant unfairness, often used in sports.

FAQs

How can I use "what a foul" in a sentence?

You can use "what a foul" to express strong disapproval or disbelief at a perceived unfair play or rule violation, especially in sports. For example: "The referee called a penalty, and the fans shouted, 'What a foul!'"

What are some alternatives to saying "what a foul"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "what a penalty", "what an infraction", or "that's a bad call".

Is it appropriate to use "what a foul" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what a foul" is generally considered informal. It's better suited for spoken language or informal writing, such as blog posts or social media. In formal writing, consider more neutral phrases.

What does "what a foul" imply about the speaker's opinion?

Using "what a foul" suggests the speaker strongly disagrees with a decision or action, viewing it as unfair or a violation of rules. It often conveys a sense of indignation or frustration.