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Why "playoff birth" needs a red card: the common mistake explained
Lloyd Cooper 03/10/2024, 09:35English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
Homophone error
Why do people make this mistake?
People often confuse "birth" and "berth" because they sound similar and are homophones. "Birth" refers to the act of being born, while "berth" means a place or position, especially one assigned for sleeping or docking. When referring to sports playoffs, "berth" is the correct term as it signifies securing a position or spot.
What is correct?
The correct phrase is "playoff berth," meaning a team has secured a position or spot in the playoffs.
Examples of correct usage
- The team was thrilled to secure a playoff berth after their victory.
- With the win, they clinched a berth in the upcoming championship playoffs.
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