a close tournament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close tournament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competition where the results are very competitive and the outcomes are uncertain, often indicating that the participants are closely matched in skill or performance. Example: "The championship game was thrilling, showcasing a close tournament where every match was decided by just a few points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

All held the ball in the final seconds of a close tournament game and made the shot that won it.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's quite a close tournament so to win a game where we were pretty much in control for the majority was a good way to get off and running.

BBC

If you want to have a close tournament in Sochi (for the 2014 Olympics), have (comparable) national programs in all countries".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While Mickelson has yet to break through in a major, Toms has shown an admirable ability to close tournaments when he sees an opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

However, Woods wants to win everywhere, and his ability to close tournaments has been a hallmark of his remarkable career.

The New York Times - Sports

Woods does not just close tournaments, he slams the door.

The New York Times - Sports

In Mexico, one of the country's most popular teams, Chivas Guadalajara, advanced to the quarterfinals of the Clausura (closing tournament) with a 2-2 tie Saturday against Chiapas.

The New York Times - Sports

In Chile, the Clausura (closing tournament) resumed after a two-week hiatus after the earthquake that affected much of the country Feb. 27, with only five of nine scheduled matches played.

The New York Times - Sports

He might even start a slight favourite at the Australian Open in January after seeing off the best players in the world in the season's closing tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Tina Charles, the Huskies' 6-foot-4 center, had 18 points and 13 rebounds Tuesday in Connecticut's closest tournament victory this season.

The New York Times - Sports

WEEK'S NOTABLES CLUB In Chile, Colo Colo won the Clausura (closing tournament) for its 28th league title over all and fifth in the past six competitions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a close tournament", ensure that the context provides specific details or examples to illustrate just how competitive and closely contested the tournament is. For example, mentioning the average point difference in matches or the number of matches decided in the final moments adds depth.

Common error

Avoid using "a close tournament" when the competition is only moderately competitive. Reserve this phrase for tournaments where the results are genuinely tight and unpredictable to maintain accuracy and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close tournament" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the characteristics of the tournament. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close tournament" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to depict a competition characterized by tight matchups and unpredictable results. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in News & Media. When deploying the phrase, writers should ensure the context clearly substantiates the level of competitiveness. Alternatives such as ""a competitive tournament"" or ""a tightly contested tournament"" can be used to achieve similar semantic effects. However, avoid exaggerating the closeness when the competition isn't exceptionally tight. While "a close tournament" can have a somewhat neutral register, writers can use more descriptive alternatives to reflect more emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tightly contested tournament

This alternative emphasizes the competitiveness and narrow margins between participants.

a closely matched tournament

This phrase stresses the similarity in skill level among the participants, resulting in close games.

an evenly matched tournament

Similar to "a closely matched tournament", this emphasizes the equal abilities of the competitors.

a competitive tournament

This phrase highlights the general competitiveness of the tournament without necessarily implying extremely close results.

a neck-and-neck tournament

This idiom suggests that the participants are running almost even throughout the tournament.

a hard-fought tournament

This alternative underscores the effort and struggle involved in each match or game of the tournament.

a balanced tournament

This phrase implies that the teams or players are of relatively equal skill, leading to unpredictable results.

a nail-biting tournament

This idiom is used to express the suspense and excitement created by the close scores and uncertain outcomes.

a challenging tournament

This highlights the difficulty and demands placed on the participants throughout the competition.

an unpredictable tournament

This phrase focuses on the element of surprise and the difficulty in forecasting the results.

FAQs

What does "a close tournament" mean?

The phrase "a close tournament" refers to a competition where the participants are very evenly matched, leading to tight games and unpredictable outcomes.

What are some synonyms for "a close tournament"?

Alternatives include "a competitive tournament", "a tightly contested tournament", or "a nail-biting tournament".

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

Example: "The championship game was the culmination of a close tournament, where every match was decided by just a few points".

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

Yes, "a close tournament" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it clearly and effectively conveys the competitive nature of the event.