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What do you call the action of “describing events as they happen” like sports anchors do?
What is the term for 'a…a…a…' in speech?Is there any more 'respectful word' than 'beggars' for these wonderful guys?A term/phrase when we move side by side while singingVerbs for describing the action of defecatingWhat is the verb describing your action when you hold your breath and endeavor to do something?What do you call refreshments seeds, like pumpkin seeds?What do you call a coined term like “Cobra effect”?Menacing or teasing people or… - What is such a person called in English?What do you call something that happens on a cyclical basis?What do you call the particular accent the secondary characters have?
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What do you call the action of "describing events as they happen" like sports anchors do? I heard the word "commentary", but I doubt "commentary" actually refers to the action of describing an event as it's happening. Also, I am wondering what the verb might be.
Here's a video example, but I doubt it's needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYXiRZncYk
word-request
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
add a comment |
What do you call the action of "describing events as they happen" like sports anchors do? I heard the word "commentary", but I doubt "commentary" actually refers to the action of describing an event as it's happening. Also, I am wondering what the verb might be.
Here's a video example, but I doubt it's needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYXiRZncYk
word-request
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05
add a comment |
What do you call the action of "describing events as they happen" like sports anchors do? I heard the word "commentary", but I doubt "commentary" actually refers to the action of describing an event as it's happening. Also, I am wondering what the verb might be.
Here's a video example, but I doubt it's needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYXiRZncYk
word-request
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
What do you call the action of "describing events as they happen" like sports anchors do? I heard the word "commentary", but I doubt "commentary" actually refers to the action of describing an event as it's happening. Also, I am wondering what the verb might be.
Here's a video example, but I doubt it's needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYXiRZncYk
word-request
word-request
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
asked Jun 9 at 16:41
blackbirdblackbird
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
1,96611 silver badges32 bronze badges
Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05
add a comment |
Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05
Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05
Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05
add a comment |
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
The classic phrase for such a description is play-by-play. Literally this means a detailed description of a sports event, describing each event in the game as it happens. But it has been extended to descriptions of other sorts of events, including political ones, on a similar as-it-happens basis.
Such "play-by-play" descriptions arose when games were broadcast by radio, with no accompanying images, because video had not yet been developed. The intent was to give the listeners the same information as they would have if they were physically present. Indeed it gave more, because the broadcaster often had expert knowledge of what to watch for, what was significant, that many people did not have, or not to the same degree.
It is also known as "play-by-play commentary." Strictly speaking the commentary is the account of the event, not the process of delivering that account, but it is often extended to cover the process as well.
The action of doing the description is sometimes called "giving a play-by-play" or "delivering a play-by-play". In either case, "commentary" can be added.
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
|
show 1 more comment
It is a verb in British English:
commentate:
VERB [NO OBJECT]
British
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/commentate
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
add a comment |
Running commentary is also fairly common.
running commentary (noun) a continuous spoken description of an event while it is happening
edited Jun 10 at 15:10
J.R.♦
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answered Jun 10 at 1:33
snugghashsnugghash
4691 silver badge2 bronze badges
add a comment |
Commentary is the noun, but as you are asking for the action, the corresponding verb is commentate/commentating. Those who commentate are called commentators
answered Jun 10 at 3:56
curiousdanniicuriousdannii
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There's narrating
verb (used with object), nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.
to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).
to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.)
or cast
In sports broadcasting, a sports commentator (also known as sports announcer, sportscaster or play-by-play announcer) gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast, traditionally delivered in the historical present tense.
This is used a lot regarding games, such as on Twitch, although there it can be used very broadly: often someone casting a game will be discussing things only tangentially, if at all, related to the game.
Also, while the traditional past tense of "cast" is just "cast", many people now use "casted".
answered Jun 10 at 15:51
AcccumulationAcccumulation
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If it specific to sports, as the other answers have said, commentating or running commentary is the common word.
Reporting live is another which I think has a broader potential context of use. Also, reporting tends to be more about the events with as little 'extra information' as possible, while commentary tends to include some opinion or any other relevant extra information.
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
111 bronze badge
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In British English, "live commentary" is probably the most common phrase for this. For example, the national UK radio station that specialises in sports reporting uses it in its schedules.
answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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A less common phrase would be "color commentary", referring particularly to background information provided between plays.
answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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"Calling the game" can also be used. The same term gets used in place of "calling off the game" (e.g. due to rain), but there's plenty of references as to it being used to denote commentating.
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
add a comment |
One answer that I haven't seen here yet is "Casting". A especially eSports, a lot of the announcers call themselves casters, and I've heard the term use in ways like "sports casting".
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
1
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
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10 Answers
10
active
oldest
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10 Answers
10
active
oldest
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active
oldest
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active
oldest
votes
The classic phrase for such a description is play-by-play. Literally this means a detailed description of a sports event, describing each event in the game as it happens. But it has been extended to descriptions of other sorts of events, including political ones, on a similar as-it-happens basis.
Such "play-by-play" descriptions arose when games were broadcast by radio, with no accompanying images, because video had not yet been developed. The intent was to give the listeners the same information as they would have if they were physically present. Indeed it gave more, because the broadcaster often had expert knowledge of what to watch for, what was significant, that many people did not have, or not to the same degree.
It is also known as "play-by-play commentary." Strictly speaking the commentary is the account of the event, not the process of delivering that account, but it is often extended to cover the process as well.
The action of doing the description is sometimes called "giving a play-by-play" or "delivering a play-by-play". In either case, "commentary" can be added.
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
|
show 1 more comment
The classic phrase for such a description is play-by-play. Literally this means a detailed description of a sports event, describing each event in the game as it happens. But it has been extended to descriptions of other sorts of events, including political ones, on a similar as-it-happens basis.
Such "play-by-play" descriptions arose when games were broadcast by radio, with no accompanying images, because video had not yet been developed. The intent was to give the listeners the same information as they would have if they were physically present. Indeed it gave more, because the broadcaster often had expert knowledge of what to watch for, what was significant, that many people did not have, or not to the same degree.
It is also known as "play-by-play commentary." Strictly speaking the commentary is the account of the event, not the process of delivering that account, but it is often extended to cover the process as well.
The action of doing the description is sometimes called "giving a play-by-play" or "delivering a play-by-play". In either case, "commentary" can be added.
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
|
show 1 more comment
The classic phrase for such a description is play-by-play. Literally this means a detailed description of a sports event, describing each event in the game as it happens. But it has been extended to descriptions of other sorts of events, including political ones, on a similar as-it-happens basis.
Such "play-by-play" descriptions arose when games were broadcast by radio, with no accompanying images, because video had not yet been developed. The intent was to give the listeners the same information as they would have if they were physically present. Indeed it gave more, because the broadcaster often had expert knowledge of what to watch for, what was significant, that many people did not have, or not to the same degree.
It is also known as "play-by-play commentary." Strictly speaking the commentary is the account of the event, not the process of delivering that account, but it is often extended to cover the process as well.
The action of doing the description is sometimes called "giving a play-by-play" or "delivering a play-by-play". In either case, "commentary" can be added.
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
The classic phrase for such a description is play-by-play. Literally this means a detailed description of a sports event, describing each event in the game as it happens. But it has been extended to descriptions of other sorts of events, including political ones, on a similar as-it-happens basis.
Such "play-by-play" descriptions arose when games were broadcast by radio, with no accompanying images, because video had not yet been developed. The intent was to give the listeners the same information as they would have if they were physically present. Indeed it gave more, because the broadcaster often had expert knowledge of what to watch for, what was significant, that many people did not have, or not to the same degree.
It is also known as "play-by-play commentary." Strictly speaking the commentary is the account of the event, not the process of delivering that account, but it is often extended to cover the process as well.
The action of doing the description is sometimes called "giving a play-by-play" or "delivering a play-by-play". In either case, "commentary" can be added.
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
edited Jun 10 at 14:20
choster
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
15.3k36 silver badges69 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
answered Jun 9 at 16:47
David SiegelDavid Siegel
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
10.8k14 silver badges32 bronze badges
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
|
show 1 more comment
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
1
1
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
It might be worth mentioning the term color analyst, who works alongside the play-by-play analyst.
– J.R.♦
Jun 10 at 19:46
3
3
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
That's not a common term in the UK, where sports involving ‘plays’ aren't popular. (The linked definition notes that it's ‘North American English’.)
– gidds
Jun 11 at 12:54
1
1
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
@BruceWayne In the UK, probably ‘commentary’ (as per another answer).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:44
2
2
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
Agree with the other comments. This phrase is not useful outside North America. If you're writing for a North American audience then it's fine: but it's not used internationally. A "running commentary" is what is used internationally.
– Chris Melville
Jun 12 at 11:25
1
1
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
@gidds What, like cricket and football don't have "plays"? It's not that those sports don't have plays, it's just not a common term in the UK.
– J...
Jun 12 at 12:45
|
show 1 more comment
It is a verb in British English:
commentate:
VERB [NO OBJECT]
British
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/commentate
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
add a comment |
It is a verb in British English:
commentate:
VERB [NO OBJECT]
British
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/commentate
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
add a comment |
It is a verb in British English:
commentate:
VERB [NO OBJECT]
British
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/commentate
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
It is a verb in British English:
commentate:
VERB [NO OBJECT]
British
Report on an event as it occurs, especially for a news or sports broadcast; provide a commentary.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/commentate
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
answered Jun 10 at 3:54
Keith McClaryKeith McClary
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
6312 silver badges5 bronze badges
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
add a comment |
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
16
16
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
Indeed, "commentating" is the first word that came to mind from a British English perspective. "Play-by-play" is way down, and sounds American to me.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 10:03
1
1
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
@Muzer The problem with "commentating" is that it covers a lot of different things. Commentary teams, at least for TV broadcasts, are rarely a single person these days (radio broadcasts may be, I don't know). Two is common for the sports I watch, with one person handling the "main"/"play-by-play" commentary (these are the terms used on the Wikipedia page, for what that's worth), and the other providing colour commentary and/or analysis.
– Anthony Grist
Jun 10 at 12:21
1
1
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
@AnthonyGrist I reckon without further context you would assume it's being used in the sense of a "main" commentator. I could be wrong though.
– Muzer
Jun 10 at 14:43
1
1
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
If the as-it-happens nature needed stressing, you could qualify that as ‘live commentary’ (though that's usually assumed anyway, and will be clear from the context).
– gidds
Jun 11 at 15:46
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Running commentary is also fairly common.
running commentary (noun) a continuous spoken description of an event while it is happening
edited Jun 10 at 15:10
J.R.♦
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Running commentary is also fairly common.
running commentary (noun) a continuous spoken description of an event while it is happening
edited Jun 10 at 15:10
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Running commentary is also fairly common.
running commentary (noun) a continuous spoken description of an event while it is happening
edited Jun 10 at 15:10
J.R.♦
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answered Jun 10 at 1:33
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Running commentary is also fairly common.
running commentary (noun) a continuous spoken description of an event while it is happening
edited Jun 10 at 15:10
J.R.♦
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answered Jun 10 at 1:33
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edited Jun 10 at 15:10
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edited Jun 10 at 15:10
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edited Jun 10 at 15:10
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answered Jun 10 at 1:33
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Commentary is the noun, but as you are asking for the action, the corresponding verb is commentate/commentating. Those who commentate are called commentators
answered Jun 10 at 3:56
curiousdanniicuriousdannii
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Commentary is the noun, but as you are asking for the action, the corresponding verb is commentate/commentating. Those who commentate are called commentators
answered Jun 10 at 3:56
curiousdanniicuriousdannii
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Commentary is the noun, but as you are asking for the action, the corresponding verb is commentate/commentating. Those who commentate are called commentators
answered Jun 10 at 3:56
curiousdanniicuriousdannii
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Commentary is the noun, but as you are asking for the action, the corresponding verb is commentate/commentating. Those who commentate are called commentators
answered Jun 10 at 3:56
curiousdanniicuriousdannii
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answered Jun 10 at 3:56
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answered Jun 10 at 3:56
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There's narrating
verb (used with object), nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.
to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).
to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.)
or cast
In sports broadcasting, a sports commentator (also known as sports announcer, sportscaster or play-by-play announcer) gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast, traditionally delivered in the historical present tense.
This is used a lot regarding games, such as on Twitch, although there it can be used very broadly: often someone casting a game will be discussing things only tangentially, if at all, related to the game.
Also, while the traditional past tense of "cast" is just "cast", many people now use "casted".
answered Jun 10 at 15:51
AcccumulationAcccumulation
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There's narrating
verb (used with object), nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.
to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).
to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.)
or cast
In sports broadcasting, a sports commentator (also known as sports announcer, sportscaster or play-by-play announcer) gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast, traditionally delivered in the historical present tense.
This is used a lot regarding games, such as on Twitch, although there it can be used very broadly: often someone casting a game will be discussing things only tangentially, if at all, related to the game.
Also, while the traditional past tense of "cast" is just "cast", many people now use "casted".
answered Jun 10 at 15:51
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There's narrating
verb (used with object), nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.
to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).
to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.)
or cast
In sports broadcasting, a sports commentator (also known as sports announcer, sportscaster or play-by-play announcer) gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast, traditionally delivered in the historical present tense.
This is used a lot regarding games, such as on Twitch, although there it can be used very broadly: often someone casting a game will be discussing things only tangentially, if at all, related to the game.
Also, while the traditional past tense of "cast" is just "cast", many people now use "casted".
answered Jun 10 at 15:51
AcccumulationAcccumulation
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There's narrating
verb (used with object), nar·rat·ed, nar·rat·ing.
to give an account or tell the story of (events, experiences, etc.).
to add a spoken commentary to (a film, television program, etc.)
or cast
In sports broadcasting, a sports commentator (also known as sports announcer, sportscaster or play-by-play announcer) gives a running commentary of a game or event in real time, usually during a live broadcast, traditionally delivered in the historical present tense.
This is used a lot regarding games, such as on Twitch, although there it can be used very broadly: often someone casting a game will be discussing things only tangentially, if at all, related to the game.
Also, while the traditional past tense of "cast" is just "cast", many people now use "casted".
answered Jun 10 at 15:51
AcccumulationAcccumulation
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answered Jun 10 at 15:51
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answered Jun 10 at 15:51
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If it specific to sports, as the other answers have said, commentating or running commentary is the common word.
Reporting live is another which I think has a broader potential context of use. Also, reporting tends to be more about the events with as little 'extra information' as possible, while commentary tends to include some opinion or any other relevant extra information.
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
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If it specific to sports, as the other answers have said, commentating or running commentary is the common word.
Reporting live is another which I think has a broader potential context of use. Also, reporting tends to be more about the events with as little 'extra information' as possible, while commentary tends to include some opinion or any other relevant extra information.
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
111 bronze badge
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If it specific to sports, as the other answers have said, commentating or running commentary is the common word.
Reporting live is another which I think has a broader potential context of use. Also, reporting tends to be more about the events with as little 'extra information' as possible, while commentary tends to include some opinion or any other relevant extra information.
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
111 bronze badge
If it specific to sports, as the other answers have said, commentating or running commentary is the common word.
Reporting live is another which I think has a broader potential context of use. Also, reporting tends to be more about the events with as little 'extra information' as possible, while commentary tends to include some opinion or any other relevant extra information.
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
111 bronze badge
answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
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answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
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answered Jun 12 at 14:31
EmmanuelEmmanuel
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In British English, "live commentary" is probably the most common phrase for this. For example, the national UK radio station that specialises in sports reporting uses it in its schedules.
answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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In British English, "live commentary" is probably the most common phrase for this. For example, the national UK radio station that specialises in sports reporting uses it in its schedules.
answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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In British English, "live commentary" is probably the most common phrase for this. For example, the national UK radio station that specialises in sports reporting uses it in its schedules.
answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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In British English, "live commentary" is probably the most common phrase for this. For example, the national UK radio station that specialises in sports reporting uses it in its schedules.
answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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answered Jun 12 at 15:06
Especially LimeEspecially Lime
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answered Jun 12 at 15:06
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answered Jun 12 at 15:06
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A less common phrase would be "color commentary", referring particularly to background information provided between plays.
answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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A less common phrase would be "color commentary", referring particularly to background information provided between plays.
answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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A less common phrase would be "color commentary", referring particularly to background information provided between plays.
answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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A less common phrase would be "color commentary", referring particularly to background information provided between plays.
answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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answered Jun 12 at 17:17
stephan.comstephan.com
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answered Jun 12 at 17:17
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"Calling the game" can also be used. The same term gets used in place of "calling off the game" (e.g. due to rain), but there's plenty of references as to it being used to denote commentating.
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
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"Calling the game" can also be used. The same term gets used in place of "calling off the game" (e.g. due to rain), but there's plenty of references as to it being used to denote commentating.
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
add a comment |
"Calling the game" can also be used. The same term gets used in place of "calling off the game" (e.g. due to rain), but there's plenty of references as to it being used to denote commentating.
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
"Calling the game" can also be used. The same term gets used in place of "calling off the game" (e.g. due to rain), but there's plenty of references as to it being used to denote commentating.
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
answered Jun 11 at 20:05
user96859user96859
1
1
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One answer that I haven't seen here yet is "Casting". A especially eSports, a lot of the announcers call themselves casters, and I've heard the term use in ways like "sports casting".
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
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It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
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One answer that I haven't seen here yet is "Casting". A especially eSports, a lot of the announcers call themselves casters, and I've heard the term use in ways like "sports casting".
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
1
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
add a comment |
One answer that I haven't seen here yet is "Casting". A especially eSports, a lot of the announcers call themselves casters, and I've heard the term use in ways like "sports casting".
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
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One answer that I haven't seen here yet is "Casting". A especially eSports, a lot of the announcers call themselves casters, and I've heard the term use in ways like "sports casting".
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
1
edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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edited Jun 12 at 17:50
ColleenV♦
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
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answered Jun 12 at 17:27
NoahNoah
1
1
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
add a comment |
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
It's mentioned in this answer.
– userr2684291
Jun 12 at 21:30
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Note that anchors don't typically describe events as they happen. The anchor serves as a central focus of the show, introducing contributions by other presenters.
– David Richerby
Jun 11 at 23:05