Imagine you’re in a crowd, watching an intense soccer game. The players on the field are showcasing their skills, the crowd is going wild, and you’re on the edge of your seat. Suddenly, the striker scores a beautiful goal. You’re thrilled and want to share this exhilarating experience with your friends online. But wait, how do you put this intricate dance of skill, strategy, and strength into words? Welcome to the world of English collocations, combinations of words that are often used together and can help you describe sports in English vividly. Are you excited to up your language game?
Let’s jump right into our list of 37 commonly used collocations related to sports:
1. Team spirit: The feeling of camaraderie among members of a team.
Example: Their team spirit is so strong that they are almost unbeatable.
2. Fair play: Following the rules and not cheating.
Example: Fair play is essential in all sports.
3. Home team: The sports team that is playing in its own city or area.
Example: The home team has the advantage of familiar surroundings.
4. Away game: A sports match played in the opposition’s venue.
Example: We have an away game next week.
5. Draw a match: A game where both teams or players finish with the same number of points.
Example: The teams drew the match with a score of 2-2.
6. Score a goal: Achieving a point in sports that use goals.
Example: Our striker scored a goal in the last minute of the game.
7. Physical fitness: The state of health and well-being, specifically the ability to perform aspects of sports.
Example: Physical fitness is crucial for a sportsman.
8. Track and field: Athletic events that take place on a running track and a nearby field.
Example: She excels in track and field events, especially javelin throw.
9. Warm-up exercise: A short session of physical exercise done to prepare the body for more strenuous activity.
Example: It’s essential to do warm-up exercises before any workout to prevent injuries.
10. Strength training: A type of physical exercise focusing on the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction.
Example: Strength training is an integral part of his workout routine.
11. Break a record: To do something better or faster than it has ever been done before.
Example: The runner broke a record in the 100 meters race.
12. Take up a sport: To start playing a sport.
Example: I decided to take up tennis as a new hobby.
13. Win a trophy: To be awarded a trophy for a victory in a sports event.
Example: The team won a trophy in the international championship.
14. Set a pace: To determine the speed at which a group walks, runs, or does an activity.
Example: The veteran runner set a pace that the younger ones tried to keep up with.
15. Out of shape: Not in a good physical condition.
Example: After not exercising during lockdown, I felt completely out of shape.
16. Go for a run: To go running as an exercise or leisure activity.
Example: I go for a run every morning to keep fit.
17. Close game: A game where the teams or players have very similar, and often the same, scores.
Example: It was a close game, but we managed to win.
18. Heavy defeat: Losing a game by a large margin.
Example: The team suffered a heavy defeat in yesterday’s match.
19. World record: The best score or time ever achieved in a particular sport or activity.
Example: He broke the world record in the long jump.
20. Runner-up: A person or team that does not win a competition but performs better than most others.
Example: Although he was the runner-up, he was very happy with his performance.
21. Tie-breaker: An extra game, round, question, etc. that is used to decide the winner because the scores are equal.
Example: The game went into a tie-breaker.
22. High stakes: A situation where there is a lot to gain or lose.
Example: It’s a high stakes match, with the championship title on the line.
23. Game plan: A strategy worked out in advance in sport or business.
Example: The team followed the coach’s game plan and won.
24. Gut reaction: An immediate unthinking emotional response.
Example: My gut reaction was to cheer when he scored the goal.
25. In full swing: At a very lively stage/point.
Example: The baseball season is in full swing.
26. In the running: Having a chance to win; in competition.
Example: Despite a poor start, they’re still in the running for the championship.
27. Jump to conclusions: To judge or decide something without having all the facts.
Example: Don’t jump to conclusions; the game isn’t over yet.
28. Level playing field: A situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding.
Example: The new rules have created a level playing field.
29. Make the cut: To succeed or be chosen or selected.
Example: He trained hard and finally made the cut for the city’s basketball team.
30. No sweat: Used to say that something will not be difficult or a problem.
Example: You need an extra player for the match? No sweat, I can join you.
31. On target: Doing something that is likely to achieve what you want.
Example: His training is on target for the marathon.
32. Play hardball: To act strong and determined in order to achieve what you want.
Example: We have to play hardball to win this match.
33. Sore loser: Someone who becomes very upset or angry when they lose.
Example: Don’t be a sore loser; it’s just a game.
34. Take sides: To choose to support a particular opinion or group in an argument or war.
Example: When it comes to football, it’s hard for me not to take sides.
35. Underdog: A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.
Example: I always support the underdog in a match.
36. Up to par: Reaching an acceptable or expected standard.
Example: His performance wasn’t up to par in today’s game.
37. Win hands down: To win very easily and decisively.
Example: Our team won hands down; the other team didn’t score a single goal.
That’s the end of our sports collocations sprint. Adding these expressions to your vocabulary will help you describe sports events with more variety and color. And remember, whether you’re playing or just discussing sports, it’s not just about winning. The thrill lies in the spirit of the game and the joy of participation. So, take these phrases out for a run in your next English conversation and experience the game of language.
