a close race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close race" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any competition, especially one in which the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The two candidates were locked in a close race for the congressional seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pundits predict a close race.

The Economist

That it's a close race.

The New York Times

It is a close race.

The New York Times

It could be a close race.

The Economist

(Mr. Sestak lost in a close race).

The New York Times

It was a close race.

The New York Times

It's still a close race.

The Guardian

It's a close race nationally".

The New York Times

"It remains a close race.

The Guardian

Our poll shows a close race.

The New York Times

It promises to be a close race.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider using more descriptive language such as "neck-and-neck" or "photo finish" to add vividness.

Common error

Avoid using "a close race" to describe situations that are not directly related to competition or contests. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "It was a close race between rain and sunshine" when simply referring to the weather.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close race" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the nature of a competitive event, indicating that the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close race" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a competitive situation where the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "a tight contest" or "neck-and-neck competition" exist, "a close race" effectively conveys the suspense and competitiveness of the event. When using this phrase, ensure it's within the context of a competition to avoid misinterpretation. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight contest

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

a neck-and-neck competition

Uses a more figurative expression to highlight the evenness of the competition.

a closely fought battle

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in the competition.

a near thing

Implies that the outcome was very uncertain and could have easily gone the other way.

a nip and tuck race

An informal expression conveying the back-and-forth nature of the competition.

a photo finish

Suggests the race was so close it required a photograph to determine the winner.

a hairline victory

Highlights the narrow margin of the win.

a tight squeeze

An idiom referring to a narrow win or escape.

virtually tied

Emphasizes the approximate equality between competitors.

too close to call

Indicates the difficulty in predicting the winner.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close race" to describe any competition where the outcome is uncertain. For example, "The election is expected to be "a close race" between the two leading candidates."

What are some alternatives to saying "a close race"?

Alternatives include "a tight contest", "a neck-and-neck competition", or "too close to call", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a close race" in formal writing?

Yes, "a close race" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a common and well-understood phrase used in news reporting, academic analysis, and business contexts.

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

The terms are largely interchangeable. Both "a close race" and "a tight race" describe a situation where the competition is very even, and the outcome is uncertain. However, "tight race" might suggest even higher intensity/stakes.