a close regatta

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close regatta" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sailing race where the competitors are closely matched in performance, resulting in a tight competition. Example: "The final race of the season turned out to be a close regatta, with the lead changing multiple times before the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(PCISA), narrowly beating out rival Corona del Mar after a close regatta at the Gold Pacific Coast Championship (PCC) in San Francisco.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At least three of the Js will compete in a regatta June 15-19 in Newport, R.I., giving spectators a close-up view of the yachts racing under enormous spinnakers that cover nearly a fifth of an acre.

Forbes

Never before has the panel upheld an appeal this close to an Olympic regatta and the men's chief coach, Jürgen Grobler, has been forced to put the 31-year-old Garbett back into the mix for a seat in the men's pair - a move that will cause significant disruption to his team's preparations for the Games.

The Guardian - Sport

It included anti-drug messages, a bike race, a regatta, concerts, and, finally, an appearance by Vladimir Putin.

The New Yorker

Such celebration at Nelson House, bar closed on regatta nights thereafter.

The New Yorker

I returned a year later and bought a Swan sailboat and won a regatta here.

The New York Times - Sports

Cowes is a fitting place for such a regatta.

Forbes

"It was as much a regatta as a horse race.

Los Angeles Times

Mahone Bay hosts an annual boat festival and a regatta.

The New York Times

A crash between two boats at a regatta in Devon left one person seriously injured.

BBC

In spring 2006, they entered a sailing regatta together.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close regatta" to vividly describe a sailing or rowing race where competitors are very evenly matched, creating a sense of tension and excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "a close regatta" to describe events unrelated to sailing or rowing. The term is specific to races and should not be generalized to other types of competitions or situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close regatta" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "regatta". It describes the nature of the regatta, indicating that it was tightly contested. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English, emphasizing the competition's intensity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close regatta" is a phrase used to describe a sailing or rowing competition characterized by intense rivalry and a narrow margin of victory. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While examples are rare, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "a tight regatta" or "a competitive regatta", which convey similar meanings. When writing, use the phrase to effectively communicate the excitement and tension of a closely matched race. The phrase remains specific to the context of regattas, avoiding its misapplication in unrelated scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tight regatta

Replaces "close" with "tight", emphasizing the narrow margin of victory.

a competitive regatta

Substitutes "close" with "competitive", highlighting the overall level of competition.

a closely contested regatta

Adds "contested" to further emphasize the competitive nature of the event.

a neck-and-neck regatta

Emphasizes the evenness of the competition, suggesting that the competitors were side-by-side.

a hard-fought regatta

Highlights the effort and determination involved in the competition.

a thrilling regatta

Focuses on the excitement and suspense of the event.

an evenly matched regatta

Emphasizes the balanced skill levels of the participants.

a nail-biting regatta

Similar to "thrilling" but emphasizes the anxiety and tension for spectators.

a photo finish regatta

Indicates the finish was so close it required a photograph to determine the winner.

a down-to-the-wire regatta

Implies that the outcome was uncertain until the very end.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The final race of the season turned out to be a close regatta, with the lead changing multiple times before the finish line."

What are some alternatives to "a close regatta"?

You can use alternatives like "a tight regatta", "a competitive regatta", or "a closely contested regatta" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a close race" instead of "a close regatta"?

Yes, "a close race" is a more general term that can be used for any kind of race, while "a close regatta" specifically refers to a sailing or rowing competition.

What makes a regatta "close"?

A regatta is considered "close" when the competitors are very evenly matched, and the outcome is uncertain until the very end. This typically results in a narrow margin of victory.