a close game

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close game" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a game or competition that is very evenly matched and could go either way. Example: The final score was 72-70, making it a very close game between the two rival teams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last shot of a close game?

The New York Times - Sports

First, it'll be a close game.

The New York Times

"That's a close game," Sumlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a close game.

The Washington Post

This shouldn't be a close game.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Griffin won in a close game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Saints will win a close game.

The New York Times - Sports

It would certainly be a close game.

The Guardian - Sport

Why did they abandon the run in a close game?

The New York Times

It means it should be a close game.

The New York Times

The Gophers turned a close game into a blowout.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close game" to effectively convey that the outcome of the game was uncertain until the very end.

Common error

Avoid using redundant intensifiers such as "very close game" as the phrase "a close game" already implies a high degree of competitiveness and uncertainty. Consider using more descriptive language about the specific events or plays instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close game" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a description or characterization of a sporting event or competition. It modifies the noun "game" with the adjective "close", indicating the narrow margin of victory or the high level of competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close game" is a common and accepted phrase used to describe a sporting event or competition where the outcome is uncertain and the margin of victory is small. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. While alternatives like "a tight contest" or "a neck-and-neck match" exist, "a close game" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. Remember to avoid redundant intensifiers and focus on descriptive language to enhance your writing. The phrase sees the most common use in News and Media, while appearing in scientific articles is rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight contest

Replaces "game" with "contest", emphasizing the competitive aspect.

an evenly matched game

Focuses on the equal skill level of the competitors.

a neck-and-neck match

Uses an idiomatic expression to highlight the evenness of the competition.

a nail-biting game

Emphasizes the suspense and excitement of the game's outcome.

a closely fought battle

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in the competitive event.

a photo finish

Implies that the end of the competition was so close it required detailed review to determine the winner.

a nip-and-tuck affair

Uses a colloquial term to describe a situation where the lead changes frequently.

a hard-fought game

Stresses the intensity and effort put forth by the participants.

a cliffhanger game

Suggests a game filled with suspense and uncertainty until the very end.

a competitive match

Highlights the overall competitiveness of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a close game" in a sentence?

You can use "a close game" to describe a sporting event where the score difference between the teams is minimal, and the outcome is uncertain until the very end. For example: "It was "a close game", with both teams trading leads throughout the match."

What's the difference between "a close game" and "a tight game"?

"A close game" and "a tight game" are often used interchangeably, but "a tight game" may imply a greater emphasis on strong defense and limited scoring opportunities, while "a close game" simply emphasizes the narrow margin between the scores.

What can I say instead of "a close game"?

You can use alternatives like "a tight contest", "a neck-and-neck match", or "a closely fought battle" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very close game"?

While grammatically correct, saying "a very close game" can be somewhat redundant. The term "a close game" already implies a high degree of competitiveness. However, using "very" can add emphasis if needed.