a bit of a contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of a contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation that has elements of competition or rivalry, often in a light-hearted or informal context. Example: "The bake-off turned into a bit of a contest, with everyone trying to outdo each other with their desserts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So it's a bit of a contest.

Science Magazine

"In some ways it's good to have a bit of a contest, but not too tribal, I think that was below the belt.

BBC

Giganews recently hit 900 days of retention, and they've announced that they expect to his 1,000 days of rentention just think about that for a second on May 2. To celebrate, they're having a bit of a contest.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Speaking after a roundtable meeting on northern development, Canavan said the competition for the $5bn funding was a "bit of a beauty contest", and the projects that appeared best value for taxpayers and the north would be funded.

The Guardian

We all know that "Dancing With the Stars" can be a bit of a popularity contest, but professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy thinks the judges are the ones at fault.

Huffington Post

We all know that "DWTS" can be a bit of a popularity contest, but Maks, 31, thinks the judges should be held responsible for their rather confusing -- and definitely not standard -- judging system.

Huffington Post

It was a bit of an even contest and I think the two of them were at it.

BBC

And whenever I talk to my Capitol press corps colleagues, it's a bit of an unspoken contest to see just who can be the most cynical.

Huffington Post

(A bit of a tallest leprechaun contest, but still).

The New York Times

We stroll to a low snow-covered hill where they do a bit of a howl and hold a wrestling contest.

The Guardian - Travel

Some undercooked food, an arm-wrestling contest and a bit of a dance in the sun.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of a contest" to describe situations where the competitive element is present but not overly serious. It's ideal for portraying a light-hearted sense of competition.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of a contest" when the situation involves high stakes or significant consequences. It's best suited for describing less intense rivalries or competitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of a contest" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a noun complement or predicate nominative. It qualifies the nature of a situation by indicating the presence of a competitive element.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit of a contest" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize situations with a competitive element, often in a light-hearted or less intense manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It functions primarily to indicate a moderate level of rivalry or competition. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, it is versatile enough for general discussions. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "somewhat of a competition" may be more appropriate. It is important to reserve the phrase to less serious or high-stakes competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat of a competition

Emphasizes the competitive aspect while using a more formal tone.

a slight competition

Indicates a less intense form of competition.

a mild rivalry

Highlights the rivalry element, suggesting it's not severe.

a touch of competition

Emphasizes the subtle presence of competition.

a friendly competition

Focuses on the amicable nature of the competition.

a degree of rivalry

Highlights that there is competition.

a competitive edge

Focuses on the presence of a slight drive to win.

a dash of competition

Indicates a small amount of competitive spirit.

a soupçon of rivalry

Uses a French term to suggest a very subtle hint of rivalry, implying understatement.

a whisper of competition

Suggests the competition is almost imperceptible or just beginning to emerge.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of a contest" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of a contest" to describe a situation with some competition, such as, "The school's science fair turned into "a bit of a contest", with each student eager to impress the judges."

What's a more formal way to say "a bit of a contest"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "somewhat of a competition" or "a slight competition".

Is "a bit of a contest" suitable for describing serious competitions?

While grammatically correct, "a bit of a contest" is better suited for light-hearted or friendly competitions. For serious competitions, consider using phrases like "intense competition" or "fierce rivalry".

What is the difference between ""a bit of a contest"" and "a serious competition"?

"A bit of a contest" suggests a less intense, perhaps more playful or friendly rivalry. "A serious competition" implies high stakes and a strong desire to win.