a big competition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big competition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important contest or event, often in the context of sports, academics, or other competitive fields. Example: "The annual science fair is a big competition that attracts students from all over the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a big competition for talent.

The New York Times

My girlfriend is an illustrator who just won first prize at a big competition.

The New York Times

"It was always a big competition to get into a musical".

The New York Times

The former Dundee United winger told the club's official website: "It's still a big competition.

The Guardian - Sport

They pointed out the offices that were doing well – it's like it's a big competition.

The Guardian

In 1953, at a big competition in the northern city of Tianjin, a boxer died after a bout.

The New Yorker

There is something fundamentally different about experience in a genuine race in the runup to a big competition.

The Guardian

Like most beauty queens on the eve of a big competition, she is worrying about her weight, her outfit and that all-important runway walk.

Independent

"I know when you win a Slam or a big competition, it's obviously years in the works, but this is a bit different.

Independent

"And there's a big competition now among the city governments," said Park Kyeong-jong, senior manager of the Jeju Smart Grid Team for SK Telecom.

The New York Times

"It's been nice because the students have brought some attention to Stanford's Architectural Design Program with their win in such a big competition," said Barton.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the scale of an event, consider using "a big competition" to underscore its importance and reach. This is particularly effective in contexts where the size and scope of the event are relevant to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a big competition" in contexts where the scale is already implied or irrelevant. Instead, opt for more descriptive adjectives that highlight specific aspects, such as "prestigious", "fierce", or "crucial", to provide a more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big competition" functions as a noun phrase acting as a complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of event or contest, usually emphasizing its scale or importance. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to denote a significant contest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big competition" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a significant contest or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and is frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider using the phrase to emphasize the importance and scale of an event. Be mindful of overuse and explore alternatives like ""a major contest"" or ""an important tournament"" for more nuanced descriptions. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its versatile application in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major contest

Replaces 'big' with 'major', emphasizing the significance of the competition.

an important tournament

Substitutes 'competition' with 'tournament', suggesting a structured series of contests and 'big' with 'important'.

a significant rivalry

Focuses on the competitive aspect, replacing 'competition' with 'rivalry' and 'big' with 'significant'.

a fierce challenge

Highlights the intensity and difficulty of the competition, replacing 'competition' with 'challenge'.

a crucial match

Suggests a decisive event within a competition, particularly applicable in sports.

a high-stakes game

Emphasizes the potential rewards and risks associated with the competition, commonly used in sports or business.

a prestigious event

Focuses on the honor and status associated with the competition, often used in academic or cultural contexts.

a noteworthy contest

Highlights the competition's importance and memorability. Replaces 'big' with 'noteworthy'.

a grand showdown

Emphasizes the final or decisive stage of the competition, suggesting a dramatic confrontation.

an intense battle

Highlights the combative and vigorous nature of the competition

FAQs

How can I use "a big competition" in a sentence?

You can use "a big competition" to describe a significant or important contest. For instance, "The Olympics are always "a big competition" for athletes around the world".

What can I say instead of "a big competition"?

You can use alternatives like "a major contest", "an important tournament", or "a significant rivalry" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a large competition" instead of "a big competition"?

Yes, "a large competition" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the scale or number of participants. However, ""a big competition"" often implies greater significance or importance.

What's the difference between "a big competition" and "an important competition"?

"A big competition" generally refers to the scale or reach of the event, while "an important competition" highlights the significance or impact of the event. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance lies in whether you want to emphasize size or importance.