I compete for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I compete for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing participation in a competition or contest for a specific goal, title, or prize. Example: "I compete for the championship title every year in the local tennis tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I compete for those people".

The New York Times - Sports

I compete for your time minute by minute.

The New York Times

"When I'm out there, I compete for them because of all they sacrificed for me".

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "Ultimately I compete for Great Britain at the Olympics and World Championships but to represent the Isle of Man and to go to a race with a group of friends that I have grown up with is a special thing.

BBC

We consider competitive inhibition, where substrate and inhibitor I compete for the same binding site on the enzyme (E I ⇌ E ⇌ E S → E + S * ).

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In summary, we have analyzed the putative clamping role of cpx-I (4− 6, 8) and addressed the controversy regarding whether syt and cpx-I compete for binding to SNARE complexes (6, 8, 9, 13).

Biochemistry

ST3Gal-I competes for the core 2-initiating enzyme for their common core 1 substrate (see Figure 1), therefore increased expression of ST3Gal-I results in the expression of sialylated core 1 (Neualso,3Galβ1,3GalNAc, also known as sialylated T) rather than the normal branched core 2 glycans (Dalziel et al. 2001).

Glycobiology

"I never thought about competing for all that I competed for this year.

Independent

Colin's dad and I competed for her affections.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think Theo and I competed for 72 hours, with a quick break for Thanksgiving," Schilling said.

The New York Times - Sports

I competed for one hour and 30 [minutes], and that is not enough to win against Novak.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I compete for", ensure that the object you are competing for is clearly defined. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "I compete for" in very informal settings might sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I'm trying to get" or "I want" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I compete for" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's active involvement in a competitive scenario, with the intention of achieving a specific goal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I compete for" is grammatically sound and conveys active participation in a competition aimed at achieving a specific objective. As noted by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While "I compete for" is generally acceptable, considering alternatives like "I vie for" or "I strive for" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the desired level of formality or intensity. Remember to clearly define what you are competing for to ensure clarity in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am competing to win

This alternative highlights the act of competing with the specific goal of winning.

I vie for

This alternative conveys a similar meaning, but it is often used in more formal contexts and suggests a more intense competition.

I contend for

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of struggling or battling to win something.

I battle for

This alternative highlights the struggle and effort involved in the competition.

I strive for

This alternative focuses on the effort and determination put into achieving a goal, although it might not always imply direct competition with others.

I am in pursuit of

This alternative suggests actively chasing after a specific goal or object.

I aim for

This alternative emphasizes the setting of a specific goal and working towards it, although it might not always involve competing with others.

I am in the running for

This alternative suggests being among a group of contenders for a particular prize or opportunity.

I seek to obtain

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the desire to acquire something.

I aspire to

This alternative emphasizes the ambition and desire to achieve something, often something lofty or significant.

FAQs

What does "I compete for" mean?

The phrase "I compete for" means that someone is actively participating in a contest, game, or competition with the aim of winning or achieving something. For instance, "I compete for the gold medal in the Olympics" indicates an athlete's goal to win the gold medal.

What are some alternatives to "I compete for"?

You can use alternatives such as "I vie for", "I contend for", or "I strive for" depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I compete for"?

Yes, "I compete for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. However, consider the audience and context to make sure it aligns with the register. Sometimes a more informal phrase might be more suitable.

How can I use "I compete for" in a sentence?

You can use "I compete for" in various contexts such as sports, academics, or business. Examples include: "I compete for my country in the Olympics", "I compete for scholarships", or "I compete for market share".