a competitive game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a competitive game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game that involves competition between players or teams, often highlighting the intensity or stakes involved. Example: "The championship match was a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their best skills and strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Play a competitive game with him.

The New York Times

I think it was a competitive game.

The New York Times

I think sometimes throughout a competitive game things happen.

The New York Times

A competitive game theory method is created for allocation of free allowances to manufacturing enterprises.

Energy Policy

PhotoCity: Training Experts at Large-scale Image Acquisition Through a Competitive Game.

Princeton University

It might be a competitive game, but today was the day.

The New York Times - Sports

I think once we step on the floor, it's just going to be a competitive game.

The New York Times

It was nice to get a really big score in a competitive game," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am not embarrassed, but I've had better feelings in terms of playing a competitive game.

The New York Times - Sports

He struggled to recover from the injury and never played a competitive game for Fulham.

The Guardian - Sport

Spain and Germany have not played a competitive game since the 1994 World Cup.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, use "a competitive game" to highlight the intensity, close scores, and high stakes involved. This sets a clear expectation for the audience regarding the nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "competitive" when the context already implies competition. For example, instead of saying "a competitive tournament game", simply say "a tournament game" if the tournament itself implies competition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a competitive game" is to act as a noun phrase, where "competitive" modifies the noun "game". It describes the nature of the game being played, highlighting its competitive aspect. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a competitive game" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe contests characterized by intensity and a strong desire to win. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance across various domains, primarily in news and media, highlighting its versatile application. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely emphasizes the competitive nature of the event to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "a challenging match" or "an intense rivalry" to add nuance to your descriptions. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Its wide acceptance and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fiercely contested game

Adds emphasis to the intensity and determination involved.

a challenging match

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

a closely matched contest

Indicates the participants are of similar skill levels.

a tight game

Implies that the game's outcome is difficult to predict because both teams are evenly matched.

a heated contest

Highlights the intensity and rivalry of the competition.

a close competition

Emphasizes the balanced nature and tight margins of the game.

a spirited competition

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy of the participants.

an intense rivalry

Shifts focus to the ongoing competitive relationship.

a hard-fought battle

Uses a more metaphorical term to depict the strenuous effort.

a cutthroat competition

Emphasizes ruthless nature where participants use every possible measure to beat their opponent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a competitive game" to describe a sporting event or any other scenario where individuals or teams are vying for victory. For example: "The final match was "a competitive game", with both teams fighting for the championship title."

What are some alternatives to saying "a competitive game"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a challenging match", "an intense rivalry", or "a close competition".

Is there a difference between "a competitive game" and "a friendly game"?

"A competitive game" implies a strong desire to win and a high level of effort from all participants, while "a friendly game" suggests a more relaxed atmosphere with less emphasis on winning.

When is it appropriate to use "a competitive game" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "a competitive game" in formal writing when describing situations where competition is a central aspect, such as in sports reports, business analyses, or academic discussions of game theory. Be sure your intended meaning is to emphasize the competition.