a fierce competition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a fierce competition' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to a competition that is difficult or intense. For example, "The candidates faced a fierce competition for the job opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A fierce competition has turned tame.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a fierce competition for those components".

The New York Times - Tech

This also resulted in a fierce competition within the express delivery industry.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Companies locked in a fierce competition for customers may end up paying people to invest.

The New York Times

The decision follows a fierce competition over the location for the broadcaster's new outpost.

The Guardian

He chose the latter last winter, setting off a fierce competition for the seat.

The Washington Post

So there might be a fierce competition for the worst building in the city.

The Guardian

Many experiments have shown a fierce competition for this element between bacterial, fungal and protozoan pathogens and their hosts.

The Economist

The implosion of Colombian cartels set off a fierce competition in Mexico for control of the drug trade.

The New York Times

That budget-conscious mind-set among core consumer bases for not only Target, but also Sears, Kmart and Walmart is translating into a fierce competition for shoppers.

The New York Times

But there is a fierce competition brewing in the canine world, and it's not just between Uggie and Christopher Plummer's preferred Jack Russell terrier, Cosmo from "Beginners".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with significant competitive pressure, using the phrase "a fierce competition" helps to convey the intensity and high stakes involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a fierce competition" in situations where the competition is minimal or friendly. It's more appropriate for high-stakes scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fierce competition" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an event or situation characterized by intense rivalry and strong competitive effort. Ludwig confirms the phrase's common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fierce competition" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a situation marked by intense rivalry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. It's essential to use it appropriately in scenarios where genuine competitive pressure exists. Alternatives such as "an intense rivalry" or "a vigorous competition" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage, writers can effectively employ "a fierce competition" to convey the appropriate level of intensity and stakes in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vigorous competition

Replaces "fierce" with "vigorous", suggesting strong effort and energy in the competition.

an intense rivalry

Substitutes "competition" with "rivalry", emphasizing the antagonistic relationship between competitors, and replaces "fierce" with "intense".

a heated contest

Changes "fierce" to "heated", implying strong emotions and passion involved in the competition.

a cutthroat competition

Replaces "fierce" with "cutthroat", highlighting ruthless and aggressive tactics within the competition.

a close race

Focuses on the narrow margin between competitors, suggesting a tight and nail-biting competition.

a tough battle

Emphasizes the difficulty and resilience required to succeed in the competition.

a hard-fought contest

Highlights the effort and determination expended by participants in the competition.

an aggressive rivalry

Emphasizes the forward and forceful nature of competitive actions.

a spirited match

Indicates enthusiasm and vigor among those competing.

a keen struggle

Implies sharpness and eagerness in the competitive effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a fierce competition" in a sentence?

You can use "a fierce competition" to describe a situation where there is strong rivalry and intense effort to win. For example, "There is "a fierce competition" among tech companies to develop the next generation of smartphones."

What are some alternatives to saying "a fierce competition"?

Alternatives to "a fierce competition" include "an intense rivalry", "a vigorous competition", or "a heated contest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a fierce competitive"?

No, "a fierce competitive" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a fierce competition", where "competition" is a noun. "Competitive" is an adjective, and while you can use it to describe things related to competition, it doesn't fit in this exact phrase.

What makes a competition "fierce"?

A competition is considered "fierce" when the stakes are high, the participants are highly motivated, and the level of effort and intensity is significantly elevated. It often implies a high degree of difficulty and a win-or-lose scenario.