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Processed with VS1Understand baseball expressions for a rain cancellation, replacement game, and two games played on one day.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptA rainy baseball game introduces expressions for a cancellation and the schedule changes that can follow. The useful focus is on what fans and organizers need to know: whether play is paused, canceled, or replaced by another game.
Cultural note: Baseball schedules and terms vary by league and country. “Rained out” is common beyond baseball, but “doubleheader” is a sports term for two games played by the same teams on the same day.
Keep exploringOne forecast can change the whole day’s schedule. These expressions help explain exactly what happens next.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Explain why a game stops and how it may be rescheduled.
Meaning
Be canceled or interrupted because of rain.
Tone & use
Common for outdoor events and activities. It describes the weather-related reason, not whether the event will happen later.
Example
“The outdoor film night was rained out, so the organizers sent everyone the indoor venue details.”
Meaning
A replacement game scheduled after an earlier game was canceled or postponed.
Tone & use
Common in sports. “Make-up” is hyphenated before the noun; the phrase is also used for a replacement class or appointment.
Example
“The club announced a make-up game for Sunday after Saturday’s match was canceled.”
Meaning
Two games between the same teams played one after the other on the same day.
Tone & use
A sports term, especially associated with baseball. It is not simply two unrelated games happening at one venue.
Example
“Because the first game was postponed, the teams planned a doubleheader for the next clear day.”
Meaning
Bad weather, especially rain, wind, or storms that make an activity difficult or unsafe.
Tone & use
Formal, common in announcements and official notices. In everyday conversation, “bad weather” is simpler.
Example
“The park district canceled the concert because of inclement weather.”
Talk about ticket location and cost without judging the people who choose it.
Meaning
The less expensive seats, often farther from the action.
Tone & use
Informal and usually lighthearted. Do not use it to imply that people who buy lower-priced tickets are less important.
Example
“We watched from the cheap seats and still had a great view of the sunset over the field.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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