a good contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competition that is enjoyable, fair, or well-organized. Example: "The annual science fair was a good contest, showcasing the talents of young innovators from across the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I hope to see a good contest".

The Guardian

It's going to be a good contest.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a good contest between bat and ball".

Independent

He's given Abraham a good contest, Mr. Perez said.

The New York Times

This is such a good contest; cricket for grown-ups.

The Guardian - Sport

So it's going to be a good contest — we'll give 'em a fight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We haven't run a really good contest in a while, so I thought we'd open up the betting on what the outcome of the healthcare reform push will likely be, rather than write yet another column of seething frustration at the lack of progress from our belovéd Congresscritters.

Huffington Post

It's a pretty good contest, actually.

The New York Times

I think the fans of the game deserve to see a really good contest for five days".

The Guardian - Sport

People had tickets to watch a whole day's play on days four and five at Edgbaston and Nottingham, so the fans of the game deserve to see a really good contest for five days.

Independent

While it was on too small a scale to be quite as exciting as the big night itself, I still left with the same kind of buzz that your average Eurovision nut gets from watching a particularly good contest.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good contest" to describe events where fairness and enjoyment are key aspects. It's particularly suitable when the skill level is high and the outcome is uncertain, adding to the excitement.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "a good contest" in highly formal, academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise terminology such as "rigorous competition" or "valid assessment" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good contest" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object, subject complement, or within prepositional phrases. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and readily understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Sport

38%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good contest" is a versatile and widely used phrase to describe an event marked by fair competition and positive engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting. When using this phrase, consider the register and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. While it is a good choice for general descriptions, more precise terminology may be needed in highly formal settings. To enhance clarity and impact, explore related phrases such as "a close match" or "a spirited game" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close match

Focuses on the competitiveness and evenness of the competition.

a tough competition

Emphasizes the difficulty and challenges involved.

a spirited game

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy displayed.

a fair competition

Stresses the impartiality and justness of the event.

an enjoyable rivalry

Highlights the pleasant and entertaining aspect of the competition.

a balanced challenge

Suggests an equal opportunity for all participants.

a compelling event

Emphasizes the interesting and captivating nature of the event.

an exciting face-off

Highlights the thrilling and suspenseful aspect of the contest.

a heated battle

Implies a high level of intensity and conflict.

a competitive showdown

Focuses on the intensity and significance of the final encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "a good contest" in a sentence?

You can use "a good contest" to describe an event or situation where there is a fair and enjoyable competition. For example, "The debate was "a good contest" between the two candidates".

What are some alternatives to "a good contest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a close match", "a tough competition", or "a spirited game", depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

Is "a good contest" formal or informal?

"A good contest" sits in a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable in news reports and general conversation, it may be too informal for very formal academic or professional writing.

What makes "a good contest" different from "a fierce battle"?

"A good contest" implies fairness, enjoyment, and perhaps a degree of sportsmanship. In contrast, "a fierce battle" emphasizes intensity, conflict, and potentially a more aggressive dynamic. The choice depends on the nature of the competition you're describing.