grandstand
/ˈɡrænstænd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡrænstænd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgran(d)-ˌstand/ (ame, mw)
grandstand — noun
- grandstandsingular
- grandstandsplural
1. a large structure with rows of seats that rise one behind another, often with a
a large structure with rows of seats that rise one behind another, often with a roof, built at a sports field, racetrack, or outdoor event so that people can watch from a good position
The new grandstand at the soccer stadium can hold over five thousand fans.
grandstand + can hold [number] + [people]
During the storm, everyone ran from the open seats into the covered grandstand.
contrast: open seats vs. covered grandstand
Mei-Lin saved money for weeks to buy a seat in the front row of the grandstand.
From the top of the grandstand, the whole racetrack is visible.
The old wooden grandstand was replaced with a modern steel-and-glass structure.
文法句型
the grandstand
a grandstand
常見錯誤
2. the people watching a sports event from the grandstand, thought of as a single g
the people watching a sports event from the grandstand, thought of as a single group
The grandstand roared when the home team scored in the final minute.
collective noun pattern: the grandstand + [reaction verb]
A wave of excitement moved through the grandstand as the runners approached the finish line.
The grandstand fell silent as the injured player was carried off the field.
Singing could be heard from the grandstand long after the match ended.
Kwame could feel the energy of the grandstand pushing him to run faster.
- spectators
individual people watching; more neutral and literal
- crowd
wider term that can include people anywhere at the event, not just in the grandstand
- audience
general term for people watching a performance or event
文法句型
the grandstand + [verb of reaction]
用法筆記
Takes a singular verb even though it refers to many people. 'The grandstand is quiet' — not 'are quiet.' Unlike 'audience,' which focuses on individuals, 'the grandstand' treats the spectators as a single reacting body.
常見錯誤
grandstand — adjective
- grandstandpositive
- more grandstandcomparative
- most grandstandsuperlative
1. done mainly to attract attention or impress people watching, rather than for a p
done mainly to attract attention or impress people watching, rather than for a practical or honest purpose
The politician's promise was a grandstand gesture that no one believed he would keep.
grandstand + gesture: a showy but empty action
Critics called the CEO's donation a grandstand move designed to improve his public image.
The lawyer's grandstand arguments impressed the gallery but annoyed the judge.
Her grandstand entrance, arriving by helicopter, made the news but upset the event organisers.
The player's grandstand celebration after the goal drew a yellow card from the referee.
- showy
more general; describes appearance rather than intention
- flashy
focus on bright, loud, or expensive appearance
- ostentatious
more formal; criticises obvious attempts to impress
- modest
simple and not trying to impress
- understated
deliberately kept simple or subtle
文法句型
grandstand + [noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive). Not used in comparative form. Often carries a critical tone, suggesting the action is insincere or vain.
常見錯誤
grandstand — verb
- grandstandpresent simple I / you / we / they
- grandstands3rd person singular
- grandstanding-ing form
- grandstandedpast simple
1. to behave or perform in a showy way in order to impress the people watching, esp
to behave or perform in a showy way in order to impress the people watching, especially in a sport or public performance
Instead of passing the ball, Diego tried to grandstand by dribbling past three defenders.
grandstand + by + [action]: showing the method
Some politicians use public hearings to grandstand rather than to address the real problems.
The singer was known to grandstand during concerts, holding notes far longer than necessary.
Coach Kim warned the players not to grandstand and to focus on teamwork instead.
Omar grandstands every time the media is around, but nobody watches when he works alone.
文法句型
grandstand + by + [doing something]
grandstand + for + [someone]
用法筆記
Intransitive only — cannot take a direct object (*grandstand the crowd is incorrect). Often implies criticism: the person is more interested in applause than in doing their job well. Common in sports commentary and political criticism.