At the B2 level, "bowl" as a verb is understood as moving swiftly in a vehicle or launching a ball in sports like cricket or ten-pin bowling. However, at the C1 level, we can appreciate a more nuanced application of this verb, extending beyond the literal. Consider its use in describing intangible movements, such as information or ideas "bowling along" through various channels, implying a rapid and unimpeded dissemination. Furthermore, in a more metaphorical sense, one might describe someone as being "bowled over" by a powerful emotion or a surprising event, signifying being overwhelmed or deeply impressed. This C1 understanding moves beyond simple physical motion to encompass abstract processes and intense emotional reactions.
§ Grammar and Usage
The verb 'bowl' can be used in several grammatical structures depending on its meaning. Understanding these structures will help you use it accurately in your writing and speaking.
- Transitive vs. Intransitive
- When 'bowl' means to throw a ball in sports, it is often used transitively, meaning it takes a direct object (the ball). However, it can also be used intransitively when the context of throwing a ball is clear.
The cricketer prepared to bowl the next over.
She stepped up to bowl a strike.
When 'bowl' refers to moving rapidly and smoothly, it is typically used intransitively, often with a prepositional phrase indicating direction.
The car bowled down the highway.
§ Common Prepositions
The choice of preposition after 'bowl' is crucial for conveying the correct meaning, especially when describing movement.
- Bowl + along/down/past/through: These prepositions are frequently used when 'bowl' means to move rapidly and smoothly. They indicate the direction or path of movement.
The bicycle bowled along the winding road.
A gust of wind made the hat bowl past the astonished onlookers.
- Bowl + to/at: When 'bowl' refers to throwing a ball in sports, 'to' is used to indicate the recipient or target, while 'at' can be used to emphasize the general direction or an attempt to hit something.
He decided to bowl to the new batsman.
She tried to bowl at the middle stump.
§ Common Phrases and Collocations
Here are some common phrases and collocations that use the verb 'bowl':
- Bowl someone over: This idiomatic expression means to surprise or impress someone greatly, or to knock someone down.
His incredible performance managed to bowl the judges over.
- Bowl a maiden over: In cricket, this means to bowl an over (six balls) from which no runs are scored.
The fast bowler was determined to bowl a maiden over.
- Bowl a googly/bouncer/yorker: These refer to specific types of deliveries in cricket.
The spin bowler decided to bowl a googly to confuse the batsman.
By familiarizing yourself with these common phrases, you can expand your understanding and use of 'bowl' in various contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **bowl** full of water. If you tip it, the water **bowls** out rapidly and smoothly. This helps remember the 'move rapidly and smoothly' definition. For the sports definition, think of someone **bowling** a ball towards pins or wickets.
Visual Association
Picture a sleek, futuristic vehicle, perhaps a 'bowlmoblie', speeding down a highway, smoothly covering ground. For the sports context, visualize a bowler releasing a ball that glides effortlessly towards the pins, knocking them down with precision.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a scenario where a character 'bowls' through an obstacle course, demonstrating both speed and control. Then, write a sentence using 'bowl' in a sporting context, perhaps describing a crucial moment in a cricket match.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot typically. While it implies rapid movement, it's usually associated with a smooth, continuous motion, often involving a rolling object or a vehicle. You wouldn't usually say someone 'bowled' down the street if they were just running quickly. However, you might say a car 'bowled along the highway'.
It can be both! Literally, it's about physical movement. Metaphorically, you might hear phrases like 'events began to bowl over them,' suggesting a rapid and overwhelming succession of happenings.
While similar, 'bowl' often implies a more deliberate and sometimes forceful action, especially in sports. 'Roll' can be more passive, like a ball rolling down a hill. When you 'bowl' a ball, there's intent behind the throw.
Generally, when 'bowl' refers to movement of an object or vehicle, it implies a forward or intended direction. In sports, like ten-pin bowling, you're always aiming for a target ahead. You wouldn't typically 'bowl' something sideways.
No, not always! While it's very common with round objects (like a bowling ball or a cricket ball), it can also describe a vehicle moving smoothly and rapidly. For example, 'The train bowled through the tunnel.'
It's not as common for general movement as verbs like 'go,' 'move,' or 'drive.' It has a slightly more specific feel, often implying a certain speed and smoothness. Its most frequent use is in sports contexts.
In cricket, 'to bowl' is a very specific type of delivery that's different from a general 'throw.' There are strict rules about how a bowler must deliver the ball. It's more about a controlled, often powerful, release with a straight arm, rather than a casual throw.
That's an interesting thought! While dancers move smoothly and gracefully, 'bowl' usually implies a more linear or projectile-like motion. You're more likely to use words like 'glide,' 'flow,' or 'swirl' for a dancer.
No, despite sharing the same spelling, the verb 'bowl' (meaning to move rapidly or throw a ball) and the noun 'bowl' (a dish for food) have completely separate etymological origins and are not related in meaning.
Yes! A common one is 'to bowl over,' which means to overwhelm or greatly impress someone. For example, 'Her performance bowled me over.' It implies a strong, impactful effect, much like being physically knocked over.
Test Yourself 48 questions
Listen for how the car moves.
Listen for what she does with the ball.
Listen for how he bowls.
Read this aloud:
I want to bowl a perfect game.
Focus: /boʊl/
You said:
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Read this aloud:
The river will bowl to the sea.
Focus: /boʊl/
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Did you bowl well?
Focus: /boʊl/
You said:
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Imagine you are at a park. What activities do you see people doing? Use the word 'bowl' in one of your sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
At the park, I see children playing on the swings. Some people are walking their dogs. I also saw a man bowl a ball towards the pins, trying to get a strike.
Describe a time you played a game where you had to 'bowl' something. What was the game, and what did you do?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Last weekend, I went bowling with my friends. It was my turn, and I tried to bowl the ball down the lane. I was happy when I hit some pins!
Complete the sentence: 'When we went to the beach, I saw a child try to ___ a toy car down a small hill.' Use the word 'bowl' to make sense.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
When we went to the beach, I saw a child try to bowl a toy car down a small hill.
What does dad like to do at the bowling alley?
Read this passage:
My family went to the bowling alley on Saturday. My dad loves to bowl. He wears special shoes and tries to roll the ball very fast. Sometimes he gets a strike. My mom is learning, and she tries her best to bowl the ball straight.
What does dad like to do at the bowling alley?
The passage says, 'My dad loves to bowl.'
The passage says, 'My dad loves to bowl.'
What do players do with the ball in cricket?
Read this passage:
In cricket, players take turns to bowl the ball. They run up and throw the ball towards the wickets. The other team tries to hit the ball with a bat. It is an exciting game to watch.
What do players do with the ball in cricket?
The passage states, 'players take turns to bowl the ball.'
The passage states, 'players take turns to bowl the ball.'
How does the little brother play with his toy cars?
Read this passage:
My little brother loves to play with his toy cars. He often sits on the floor and will bowl his cars across the room. They go really fast! He laughs when they hit the wall.
How does the little brother play with his toy cars?
The passage says, 'he will bowl his cars across the room.'
The passage says, 'he will bowl his cars across the room.'
The children loved to watch the toy boats ___ across the pond.
To 'bowl' in this context means to move smoothly and rapidly, like the toy boats on the water.
He practiced for hours to learn how to ___ the cricket ball with speed and accuracy.
In cricket, the action of propelling the ball towards the wicket is called 'bowling'.
The car began to ___ down the hill after the brakes failed.
To 'bowl' can mean to move rapidly and smoothly, which fits the description of a car moving downhill without brakes.
She decided to ___ in the local league to improve her ten-pin bowling skills.
Ten-pin bowling is a sport where you 'bowl' a ball down a lane to knock over pins.
The leaves began to ___ along the sidewalk in the strong wind.
To 'bowl' here suggests the leaves are moving rapidly and smoothly due to the wind.
With a quick flick of his wrist, the bowler managed to ___ the ball perfectly.
This refers to the action of delivering the ball in a game like cricket or ten-pin bowling.
Think about cars and roads.
This is about a sport.
This involves a common social activity.
Read this aloud:
Can you bowl that ball a bit slower next time?
Focus: bowl
You said:
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Read this aloud:
The river bowls gently through the valley.
Focus: gently
You said:
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Read this aloud:
I love to bowl on the weekends with my friends.
Focus: weekends
You said:
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Imagine you are describing a thrilling chase scene in a movie. Use the verb 'bowl' to describe a vehicle moving rapidly. Include details about the vehicle and the environment.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The black sedan began to bowl down the winding mountain road, its tires screeching as it rounded corners. Dust and gravel flew up behind it as the driver desperately tried to outrun his pursuers, the engine roaring with effort. The car seemed to almost fly as it bowled over the uneven terrain, a blur of metal against the stark desert landscape.
Write a short paragraph about a cricket match, focusing on the action of a bowler. Describe their technique and the impact of their bowl on the game.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The opening bowler, a veteran with a formidable reputation, strode confidently to the crease. With a powerful run-up and a flick of the wrist, he delivered a searing fast bowl that sent the bails flying. The crowd erupted as the batsman was dismissed, a crucial wicket that shifted the momentum of the match. His precise bowling was a masterclass in skill and strategy.
Describe a person's experience at a ten-pin bowling alley. Focus on their technique and the result of their 'bowl'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Stepping up to the lane, she took a deep breath, focusing on the pins at the far end. With a smooth, practiced swing, she released the heavy ball. It began to bowl straight down the center of the lane, gathering speed. A satisfying crash followed as the ball struck the pins squarely, resulting in a perfect strike. Her team cheered, and a proud smile spread across her face as her score climbed.
Which of the following activities is NOT explicitly mentioned as involving the verb 'bowl' in the passage?
Read this passage:
In the bustling city, a delivery van, laden with packages, began to bowl down the narrow street. The driver, determined to make his deliveries on time, skillfully maneuvered through the dense traffic. On the sidewalk, a group of children cheered as a local cricket team practiced in the park, a young bowler demonstrating an impressive technique. Further down, the bright lights of a bowling alley beckoned, promising an evening of strikes and spares.
Which of the following activities is NOT explicitly mentioned as involving the verb 'bowl' in the passage?
The passage mentions the delivery van bowling down the street, a young bowler in a cricket team, and the activity of playing at a bowling alley. Children cheering is mentioned but not in relation to the verb 'bowl'.
The passage mentions the delivery van bowling down the street, a young bowler in a cricket team, and the activity of playing at a bowling alley. Children cheering is mentioned but not in relation to the verb 'bowl'.
According to the passage, what are two different contexts in which the verb 'bowl' is used?
Read this passage:
The ancient mariner watched as the majestic ship, sails billowing, began to bowl across the choppy waves. The wind was strong, propelling the vessel with incredible force towards the distant horizon. Later that day, ashore, a local fisherman demonstrated his unique method of casting his net, which involved a swift, powerful 'bowl' to ensure it covered a wide area. The term 'bowl' clearly has diverse applications, from nautical journeys to sporting techniques.
According to the passage, what are two different contexts in which the verb 'bowl' is used?
The passage explicitly describes a ship bowling across waves and a fisherman using a 'bowl' to cast his net. Cricket and car movement are not mentioned in this specific passage.
The passage explicitly describes a ship bowling across waves and a fisherman using a 'bowl' to cast his net. Cricket and car movement are not mentioned in this specific passage.
What does the athlete compare his bowling technique to in the interview?
Read this passage:
The renowned athlete, known for his powerful arm, stepped onto the bowling lane. He focused intently, took a deep breath, and sent the ball bowling towards the pins. It was a perfect throw, resulting in a strike. Later, during an interview, he described how his training involved not only physical strength but also mental precision, comparing his approach to how a race car driver must meticulously 'bowl' their vehicle around a track to achieve optimal speed.
What does the athlete compare his bowling technique to in the interview?
The passage states that the athlete compared his approach to 'how a race car driver must meticulously 'bowl' their vehicle around a track'.
The passage states that the athlete compared his approach to 'how a race car driver must meticulously 'bowl' their vehicle around a track'.
The senator decided to ______ a new policy aimed at curbing inflation, despite significant opposition from his own party.
'Bowl up' can mean to present or put forward, especially a proposal or argument.
After the initial shock, she managed to ______ her composure and address the pressing matters at hand with a calm demeanor.
'Bowl along' can metaphorically mean to progress smoothly and without difficulty, often used when overcoming an obstacle.
The unexpected news of her promotion seemed to ______ her completely, leaving her speechless for a few moments.
To 'bowl over' means to overwhelm someone with surprise or strong emotion.
If a speaker says they were 'bowled over' by an idea, it means they found it unconvincing and easy to dismiss.
To be 'bowled over' by an idea means to be greatly impressed or overwhelmed by it.
The phrase 'to bowl along' suggests a slow, arduous journey rather than a swift and smooth progression.
To 'bowl along' implies a swift, smooth, and often effortless progression.
In cricket, when a bowler 'bowls a maiden over', it means they have dismissed a batter without allowing any runs.
In cricket, a 'maiden over' is when a bowler delivers an entire over (six balls) without any runs being scored off them. 'Bowled over' has a different meaning.
The sentence describes a bowler's action in a sport.
Think about the movement of objects down a slope.
Consider the movement of large ice formations.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on the intricacies of the 'googly' delivery in cricket, and how a bowler might successfully execute it to deceive the batsman?
Focus: elaborate, intricacies, googly, successfully, execute, deceive, batsman
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are a commentator at a pivotal moment in a ten-pin bowling tournament. Describe the tension and anticipation as the final bowler steps up for their last frame, emphasizing the 'bowl' of the ball.
Focus: pivotal, tournament, tension, anticipation, emphasizing, bowl
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Discuss the metaphorical implications of the phrase 'to bowl someone over', providing examples of situations where one might feel 'bowled over' by an event or a person.
Focus: metaphorical, implications, phrase, providing, examples, situations, bowled over
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are an investigative journalist covering a high-stakes car chase. Describe the pursuit, focusing on the movement of the vehicles involved. Use the word "bowl" (verb) to convey rapid, smooth motion. Your description should evoke a sense of urgency and danger. Include details about the environment and any close calls. Aim for a sophisticated and vivid narrative.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The black sedan, with its tinted windows obscuring the driver, began to bowl effortlessly through the narrow city streets, a dark blur against the neon glow. It weaved with unsettling precision between bewildered taxis and delivery trucks, the engine a low, menacing growl. Hot on its heels, the police cruiser struggled to maintain the same fluid grace, its sirens wailing a desperate counterpoint to the sedate, almost arrogant, progress of its quarry. Each turn was executed with a chilling lack of hesitation, the car seeming to bowl around corners with an almost preternatural understanding of the road's limits, leaving behind a trail of startled onlookers and screeching tires.
You are a sports commentator describing a pivotal moment in a cricket match. The bowler is about to deliver a crucial ball. Detail the bowler's technique, the anticipation in the stadium, and the flight of the ball itself. Use the word "bowl" (verb) to describe the action of delivering the ball. Focus on technical accuracy and dramatic effect.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The tension in the stadium was palpable, a thick, almost suffocating blanket as the bowler approached the crease. With a steely gaze fixed on the batsman, he began his run-up, a powerful, rhythmic stride building momentum. His arm, a blur of muscle and precision, came over, and he prepared to bowl the ball, a perfectly executed delivery that seemed destined for the heart of the stumps. The leather sphere, a mere speck against the brilliant green outfield, was imparted with a subtle swing, testament to years of dedicated practice, and it began its trajectory towards the unsuspecting batsman, a true test of skill and nerve.
Write a short reflective essay (approximately 150-200 words) on how technological advancements have changed the way vehicles 'bowl' through our modern landscapes. Consider aspects like navigation, speed, and efficiency. Incorporate the verb 'bowl' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In an era defined by perpetual motion, the way vehicles 'bowl' through our landscapes has been profoundly reshaped by technological advancements. Gone are the days of aimless wandering; satellite navigation systems now meticulously plot optimal routes, allowing cars to bowl along highways with unprecedented efficiency, minimizing fuel consumption and travel time. Autonomous driving systems, still in their nascent stages, promise a future where vehicles can navigate complex urban environments, allowing them to bowl through traffic with a fluidity and precision that human drivers can only dream of. This evolution, however, brings its own set of challenges, from cybersecurity concerns to the ethical dilemmas of algorithmic decision-making, yet the undeniable shift towards smarter, smoother vehicular movement is a testament to human ingenuity and our ceaseless quest for progress.
What quality is highlighted as essential for the skipper to navigate the vessel successfully in the challenging conditions?
Read this passage:
The ancient mariner, his eyes narrowed against the relentless glare, watched the small vessel bowl across the tempestuous waves. It was a fishing schooner, sturdy and resolute, yet dwarfed by the sheer power of the ocean. He admired the skipper's skill, the way he coaxed the boat to maintain its course, even as the wind howled and the spray lashed over the bow. The mariner knew, from years at sea, that to bowl with such grace in such conditions required not just expertise, but an innate understanding of the sea's unpredictable moods.
What quality is highlighted as essential for the skipper to navigate the vessel successfully in the challenging conditions?
The passage states, 'The mariner knew, from years at sea, that to bowl with such grace in such conditions required not just expertise, but an innate understanding of the sea's unpredictable moods.' This directly answers the question.
The passage states, 'The mariner knew, from years at sea, that to bowl with such grace in such conditions required not just expertise, but an innate understanding of the sea's unpredictable moods.' This directly answers the question.
What does the passage imply about the fast bowler's delivery?
Read this passage:
In the climactic final over of the championship match, the legendary fast bowler took his mark. The crowd, a sea of expectant faces, held its collective breath. He began his approach, a fluid, almost balletic sequence of movements, culminating in a powerful release. The ball, a blur of red, seemed to bowl through the air with an almost magnetic pull towards the stumps. The batsman, renowned for his composure, watched it intently, his fate, and that of his team, hanging precariously on this single delivery.
What does the passage imply about the fast bowler's delivery?
The passage describes the bowler's 'powerful release' and the ball appearing to 'bowl through the air with an almost magnetic pull towards the stumps,' suggesting both power and precision in the delivery.
The passage describes the bowler's 'powerful release' and the ball appearing to 'bowl through the air with an almost magnetic pull towards the stumps,' suggesting both power and precision in the delivery.
What is the primary advantage of the hyperloop system described in the passage?
Read this passage:
The futuristic hyperloop system promised to revolutionize intercity travel, allowing passengers to bowl across vast distances in mere minutes. Encased in sleek, aerodynamic capsules, commuters would experience an almost imperceptible acceleration, then a sustained, high-velocity journey. The magnetic levitation technology ensured a frictionless ride, enabling these capsules to bowl through evacuated tubes with unparalleled speed and efficiency, making traditional forms of transport seem antiquated by comparison. This was not just faster travel; it was a fundamental shift in our perception of distance and time.
What is the primary advantage of the hyperloop system described in the passage?
The passage explicitly states that the system allows 'passengers to bowl across vast distances in mere minutes' and enables capsules to 'bowl through evacuated tubes with unparalleled speed and efficiency,' highlighting this as the primary advantage.
The passage explicitly states that the system allows 'passengers to bowl across vast distances in mere minutes' and enables capsules to 'bowl through evacuated tubes with unparalleled speed and efficiency,' highlighting this as the primary advantage.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Example
We bowled along the empty highway as the sun began to set.
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
More Actions words
abcredance
C1To formally grant credibility or validate the authenticity of a claim, process, or document based on rigorous evidence. It involves the transition of a statement or entity from a state of uncertainty to one of accepted institutional or logical fact.
abnasccide
C1Describing something that is characterized by a natural tendency to shed, detach, or be cut off at a specific stage of development or under certain conditions. It is most commonly used in botanical or technical contexts to describe parts that are designed to separate from the main body.
absorb
B2To take in or soak up energy, liquid, or other substances by chemical or physical action; also used metaphorically to mean taking in and understanding information or grasping the full attention of someone.
abstain
C1To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice, especially one that is considered unhealthy or morally questionable. It is also used formally to describe the act of choosing not to cast a vote in an election or deliberation.
abvictly
C1To decisively and abruptly resolve a complex situation or dispute by exercising overwhelming force or authority. It describes the act of bringing an immediate, non-negotiable end to a conflict, often bypassing traditional steps of negotiation.
abvitfy
C1The inherent capacity or latent potential within a system or individual to adapt quickly and effectively to unforeseen technological or structural changes. It describes a sophisticated form of resilience that allows for an immediate pivot and evolution without a loss of core function.
accelerate
C1To increase the speed or rate of something, or to make a process happen sooner than expected. In technical contexts, it refers to the rate of change of velocity, while in general contexts, it often describes the speeding up of progress or development.
accept
A1To agree to receive something that someone offers you, or to say yes to an invitation or a suggestion. It can also mean to believe that something is true or to recognize a situation as it is.
achieve
A2To successfully reach a goal or finish a task using your effort and skills. It describes the act of completing something positive after working hard for it.
acquiesce
C1To accept something reluctantly but without protest. It describes a situation where someone agrees to a demand or proposal, often because they feel they have no other choice or do not wish to argue.
