a captivating contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a captivating contest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a competition that is engaging and holds the interest of participants or spectators. Example: "The annual science fair turned out to be a captivating contest, showcasing innovative projects from students across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It will be a captivating contest, with tries rarer than rocking-horse manure.

Independent

Ever since NBC cut off the end of the 1968 Jets-Raiders football game in order to start the television movie "Heidi" on time, people who watch live television events have occasionally suffered emotional trauma over missing the end of a captivating contest.

The New York Times

Theirs was a captivating contest, even though neither player produced their best snooker.

BBC

Day one at the Etihad Stadium, attended by a total of 36,339 spectators, was rounded off by a captivating contest between the two teams that, between them, have held the Super League crown since 2007.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The din from the Stade Vélodrome, when Germany were beaten in the most captivating contest of the tournament so far with even François Hollande unable to suppress his delight up in the stands, has pursued the team from the Bouches-du-Rhône back to Île-de-France.

The Guardian - Sport

The second of FarmVille 2's captivating contests is the battle with friends.

The New York Times - Arts

Tonight, in what will be one of the most captivating contests of the entire games, he will fight Ireland's John Joe Nevin, who defeated the world number one, Cuban Lazaro Jorge Alvarez Estrada, in a frenzied atmosphere in London's Docklands.

Independent

A captivating, open, end-to-end contest that was littered with chances and skill.

The Guardian - Sport

Here's a captivating exclusive from Adam Johnson.

The New York Times

A captivating and roguish idea.

The New York Times - Books

Billy Romp's a captivating guy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a captivating contest" to describe events or competitions that are highly engaging and hold the audience's attention. This phrase works well in journalistic contexts or when aiming to create a sense of excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "a captivating contest" in highly formal or academic writing where more neutral or precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "an engaging competition" or "a compelling event".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a captivating contest" functions as a noun phrase, with "captivating" acting as an adjective that modifies the noun "contest". It describes the contest as being highly interesting and engaging. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing various forms of competition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a captivating contest" is a noun phrase used to describe an engaging and interesting competition or event. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While appropriate for journalistic and descriptive writing, it may be less suitable for formal academic settings. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its common usage in various sources. Alternatives include "an enthralling competition" and "a gripping match", offering similar connotations while varying slightly in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enthralling competition

Replaces "captivating" with "enthralling", focusing on the aspect of holding someone's attention completely.

a gripping match

Uses "gripping" to emphasize the exciting and suspenseful nature of the contest, implying a close and intense competition.

an absorbing tournament

Suggests the contest is so interesting that it completely occupies one's attention; "tournament" specifies the type of contest.

a fascinating duel

Highlights the intriguing and interesting aspects of the contest, often implying a one-on-one competition.

a compelling showdown

Emphasizes the forceful and irresistible nature of the contest, suggesting a decisive confrontation.

an engaging battle

Focuses on the interactive and interesting qualities of the contest, making the audience feel involved.

an intriguing spectacle

Highlights the visually interesting and mysterious aspects of the contest, suggesting a grand display.

a riveting game

Emphasizes the exciting and attention-grabbing quality of the game.

a magnetic rivalry

Implies the contest draws attention because of the compelling forces between the competitors.

an arresting performance

Suggests that the contest is so striking and impressive that it immediately captures attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a captivating contest" in a sentence?

You can use "a captivating contest" to describe a competition or event that is highly engaging and holds the attention of the audience. For example, "The chess tournament proved to be "a captivating contest", drawing spectators from all over the world".

What are some alternatives to "a captivating contest"?

Alternatives to "a captivating contest" include "an enthralling competition", "a gripping match", or "a fascinating duel". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "captivating competition" the same as "a captivating contest"?

"Captivating competition" is similar in meaning to "a captivating contest", but the latter is slightly more specific and commonly used. "Captivating competition" might be used more broadly to describe the general state of a competitive environment.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a captivating contest"?

The phrase "a captivating contest" is suitable for news articles, sports reports, and promotional materials where the goal is to highlight the excitement and engagement of a particular competition. However, in formal academic writing, it might be more appropriate to use a more neutral term.