foul shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Sports
Quick answer
What does “foul shot” mean?
A free throw awarded in basketball after a foul, taken from the free-throw line.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A free throw awarded in basketball after a foul, taken from the free-throw line.
In sports, an unopposed attempt to score points as compensation for an opponent's rule violation; metaphorically, any opportunity given as compensation for unfair treatment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'free throw' is more common than 'foul shot' for basketball. 'Foul shot' is predominantly American sports terminology.
Connotations
In the US, strongly associated with basketball culture and statistics (e.g., foul shot percentage). In the UK, the term might be less immediately recognized by general audiences.
Frequency
High frequency in American sports media; low to medium frequency in British sports contexts, where 'free throw' or sport-specific terms like 'penalty' are preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “foul shot” in a Sentence
[Player] was fouled and awarded a foul shot.[Player] made/missed the foul shot.The referee called a foul, resulting in a foul shot.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foul shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potential metaphorical use: 'The contract breach gave them a foul shot to renegotiate terms.'
Academic
Used in sports science, kinesiology, or statistics papers analysing basketball performance.
Everyday
Common in conversations about basketball games, especially in the US. 'Did he make the foul shot to tie the game?'
Technical
Specific to basketball rules and officiating. Refers to the type of foul (shooting, technical, flagrant) that determines the number of shots awarded.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foul shot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foul shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foul shot”
- Using 'foul shot' to describe a poorly executed shot (that's a 'bad shot' or 'air ball').
- Pronouncing 'foul' like 'fowl' (the bird).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He fouled shot' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in basketball, they are synonymous. 'Free throw' is the more formal/official term, while 'foul shot' is common in casual speech, especially in American English.
Yes. Depending on the type of foul and where it occurred, a player can be awarded one, two, or three foul shots (e.g., on a three-point attempt).
It is understood, particularly by sports fans, but 'free throw' is more commonly used in the UK. British commentators are more likely to say 'free throw'.
The main mistake is interpreting 'foul' as meaning 'dirty' or 'unpleasant' rather than its specific sporting meaning of a 'rules infraction'. This leads to confusion about why it's an unopposed shot.
A free throw awarded in basketball after a foul, taken from the free-throw line.
Foul shot is usually informal, sports in register.
Foul shot: in British English it is pronounced /faʊl ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /faʊl ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's at the foul line; it's a gimme. (US, implying an easy shot)”
- “No harm, no foul shot. (play on 'no harm, no foul')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think FOUL = rule break, SHOT = attempt to score. A FOUL SHOT is the attempt you get because of a rule break.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A FREE ATTEMPT (A foul is an injustice; the shot is the compensation).
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'foul shot' most specifically and commonly used?