goal
goal — noun
1. The frame-and-net structure on a sports field that marks the scoring zone — atta
The frame-and-net structure on a sports field that marks the scoring zone — attackers direct the ball into it to earn points, while the goalkeeper tries to keep it out.
Tuan kicked the ball toward the goal, but it hit the post and bounced back.
toward the goal — direction of movement
The storm damaged the goal net, so the team had to cancel practice.
goal net — compound noun
Paloma painted the goal posts white the night before the championship game.
A new goal was installed at the stadium for the upcoming international match.
The ball hit the top of the goal where the net meets the crossbar.
文法句型
the goal
a goal
goal + noun
用法筆記
Often used in compound nouns such as 'goal post', 'goal net', and 'goal line'. American English uses 'goal post' for both uprights; British English sometimes calls them 'goalposts' as one word.
常見錯誤
2. A scoring event — common in games like football and hockey — where a team earns
A scoring event — common in games like football and hockey — where a team earns a point by sending the ball across the line and inside the posts.
Paloma scored the winning goal in the final minute of the match.
scored the winning goal — verb + object
The referee checked the video replay to decide whether the goal counted.
Evelyn celebrated loudly after scoring her first goal of the season.
Obi scored two goals in the first half and one more after the break.
The home crowd roared when Quinn headed the ball into the net for a goal.
文法句型
score a goal
a goal from [player]
用法筆記
In many sports (football, hockey, handball), each goal counts as one point. In basketball, scoring is described differently — 'goal' is rarely used; 'basket' or 'point' is preferred.
常見錯誤
3. The role of the goalkeeper during a match — the team member stationed in front o
The role of the goalkeeper during a match — the team member stationed in front of the goal whose job is to block shots and prevent any points being conceded.
Tuan is in goal for the second half after the starting keeper hurt his ankle.
be in goal — position as goalkeeper
Arjun had never played in goal before, but agreed to try when nobody else would.
played in goal — verb phrase
The coach asked who wanted to go in goal for the practice match on Saturday.
Quinn was in goal during the penalty shootout and saved two shots.
- in net
Preferred in North American English, especially for ice hockey and lacrosse.
- between the posts
A descriptive sports-commentary phrase, not commonly used in everyday speech.
文法句型
be in goal
play in goal
用法筆記
Common in British English. 'In goal' describes who is playing as the goalkeeper for a specific match or period. In American English, 'in the goal' or 'in net' is more common.
4. To serve as the goalkeeper on a regular or long-term basis for a particular team
To serve as the goalkeeper on a regular or long-term basis for a particular team or club.
Takeshi has been keeping goal for the national team for almost five years now.
keeping goal for — regular role + preposition
The club needs a reliable player to keep goal for the entire season.
Hannah kept goal for the university team throughout her four years as a student.
To keep goal at this competitive level, a player needs both quick reflexes and courage.
- tend the goal
American English equivalent; used in soccer and hockey commentary.
- guard the net
Common in North American sports, especially ice hockey.
文法句型
keep goal
keep goal for [team]
用法筆記
A more formal or traditional expression than 'play in goal'. 'Keep goal' suggests an ongoing commitment or regular position, while 'be in goal' refers to a specific match or moment. This phrase is almost exclusively British and is uncommon in modern everyday speech outside of formal sports writing.
5. A situation in a sports match where the goal area has no defending players nearb
A situation in a sports match where the goal area has no defending players nearby, making it very easy for the attacking player to score.
The defender slipped on the wet grass, leaving an open goal for the striker.
leaving an open goal — result of a defensive error
Adina passed the ball to Evelyn, who had an open goal in front of her.
had an open goal — possessive construction
It was an open goal, but Hannah somehow kicked the ball over the crossbar.
You rarely see an open goal at this level of professional competition.
- empty net
Preferred in ice hockey; also used in football when the goalkeeper is out of position.
- wide-open net
Informal American usage, especially in hockey and lacrosse.
文法句型
an open goal
have an open goal
用法筆記
Often used figuratively in business or life to describe a very easy opportunity that should not be missed. Example: 'With no competition in that market, they had an open goal.'
6. Something that a person or group wants to achieve, especially after a period of
Something that a person or group wants to achieve, especially after a period of planning and sustained effort — for instance, finishing a project, saving a certain amount of money, or learning a new skill.
Christopher's main goal this year is to become fluent in Mandarin.
The company set a goal to cut waste by thirty percent before year's end.
set a goal to + infinitive
Paloma finally achieved her long-term goal of running a marathon in under four hours.
The school set a fifty-thousand-dollar fundraising goal and reached it in two weeks.
Tamás set himself a goal to read one book each month for a year.
- aim
Very similar in meaning but often used for shorter-term or more general directions rather than specific targets.
- objective
More formal than 'goal'; common in business, military, and academic contexts.
- target
Emphasises a measurable or numerical outcome; common in sales, fundraising, and fitness.
- ambition
Suggests a strong personal desire for long-term achievement, often requiring great effort.
文法句型
set a goal
achieve a goal
goal of + gerund
goal to + infinitive
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of + gerund' (goal of becoming...) or 'to + infinitive' (goal to become...). The preposition 'of' is more common in formal writing; 'to' is more frequent in everyday speech. 'Goal' in this sense is stronger than 'wish' or 'hope' — it implies intention and effort.
常見錯誤
7. An informal expression used on social media platforms to show that someone or so
An informal expression used on social media platforms to show that someone or something represents a lifestyle, appearance, or quality that you strongly admire and would like to have yourself.
Zayd commented 'That apartment is absolute goals' under his friend's photo of a new flat.
is absolute goals — intensifier + plural noun as slang
Evelyn wrote 'This holiday is total goals' on a travel post of a Thai beach.
is total goals — slang intensifier
Quinn saw the wedding photos and commented 'Couple goals' under the post.
Tuan saw a new sports car and posted 'Career goals' as his photo caption.
- aspiration
The formal equivalent; lacks the enthusiastic, slangy tone of 'goals'.
- dream
Similar in expressing desire, but 'dream' is more personal and less tied to social-media display.
文法句型
X is goals
X are goals
[noun] + goals
用法筆記
Almost always used as a plural noun ('goals') in this slang sense, even when referring to a single thing. Common combinations include 'career goals', 'relationship goals', 'fitness goals', 'travel goals', and 'life goals'. This usage is informal and typical of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.