Search from various English teachers...
Jessicamessica
Hello everyone! I bought a ball but it "deflated" (fizzle out). What is the correct way to say when the ball loosed air that was inside ? Thank you!
Aug 17, 2022 2:33 PM
Answers · 6
1
We often talk about a ball 'going flat'. So 'the ball went flat'. Perhaps 'the ball went flat after only a week' or 'the ball went flat immediately after I had pumped it'! We might use this term for our bicycle tires 'the tire was flat' or 'the tire went flat after a few miles'. A ball can 'burst' as well but that usually implies an explosion or at least a loud 'popping' sound which means the ball has been 'punctured'!
August 17, 2022
Q. What words describe a ball losing air? A. Commonly, we would say ‘to go flat’. The ball went flat over the winter. Where’s the pump? It wouldn’t be technically incorrect to use ‘deflate’ for a ball, but not that natural. We’d more likely say ‘deflate’ for smaller losses of air, or in a more technical setting. For example My air mattress does deflate a little overnight, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Note that ‘loses air’ and ‘has a leak’ are perfectly natural and native things to say too. ‘This ball loses air. Throw it out and buy a new one.’ ‘I think this inner tube has a leak. See if you can patch it.’
August 18, 2022
The ball deflated.
August 17, 2022
Not necessarily. That's why context matters; which few posting here seem to grasp.
August 17, 2022
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!