a heated contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heated contest" is grammatically correct and can be used in written or spoken English.
It typically refers to a competition or argument that is very intense or emotionally charged. Example: The election for class president was a heated contest, with each candidate passionately defending their ideas and attacking their opponent's.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is a heated contest, and partisan feelings are running high.

The New York Times

At the 1952 Convention, 11 names were placed in nomination in a heated contest between Adlai Stevenson, Estes Kefauver, Richard Russell, Averell Harriman and Paul Dever.

The New York Times

Members, most of whom have met only over the Internet, chose New Hampshire over nine other states in a heated contest that lasted months.

The New York Times

The race to become the next Labour leader will be a heated contest after left-winger Jeremy Corbyn made it onto the ballot paper with "two minutes to spare".

Independent

It's time for adult games: Kate Spade is holding a game night at its SoHo store, with the brand's president, Deborah Lloyd, facing off against Brad Goreski in a heated contest of Pictionary.

The New York Times

HOUSTON — Bill White, the popular Democratic mayor of Houston, said Friday that he would run for governor of Texas, changing the dynamic in a heated contest and giving Democrats a faint hope for the first time in 15 years that they might be able to take back the governor's office.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Instead, Tempus will withdraw its support for Havas's £425 million offer and remain neutral through what is expected to be a heated bidding contest.

The New York Times

President Clinton told Germany's chancellor today that he would accept Horst Kohler as the new head of the International Monetary Fund, ending a heated diplomatic contest over who would lead the institution that battles global financial crises.

The New York Times

President Clinton told Germany's chancellor that he would accept Horst Kohler as the new managing director of the International Monetary Fund, ending a heated diplomatic contest over who would lead the institution that battles global financial crises.

The New York Times

Marco Rubio's boffo turn at a Koch brothers retreat gave him the lead in the heated contest to be Koch candidate-as-wholly-owned-subsidiary.

Huffington Post

Mr. Richardson, 62, the country's only Hispanic governor, has largely sat out the heated contest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heated contest" to describe situations where there's significant tension and strong emotions involved, such as elections, debates, or competitive events. It adds a sense of drama and importance to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a heated contest" when describing everyday competitions or games that lack genuine intensity or conflict. Save it for scenarios where the stakes are high and emotions are running high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heated contest" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It modifies a noun by describing the intensity or emotional charge associated with a competition or struggle. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heated contest" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an intense competition or struggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the heightened emotions and stakes involved, making it particularly suitable for news reporting and formal analysis. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations with genuine tension to avoid overuse. The phrase frequently appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense competition

Emphasizes the high level of competition involved.

a fierce rivalry

Highlights the adversarial nature of the competition.

a tight race

Focuses on the closeness and uncertainty of the outcome.

a spirited battle

Suggests an energetic and passionate struggle.

a closely fought competition

Highlights the competitive balance and effort involved.

a contentious struggle

Emphasizes the disagreement and conflict present.

a vigorous match

Focuses on the active and energetic nature of the competition.

a passionate dispute

Highlights the strong emotions and disagreements involved.

an aggressive showdown

Suggests a direct and forceful confrontation.

a hard-fought battle

Highlights the difficulty and determination involved in the competition.

FAQs

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

"A heated contest" is typically used to describe situations involving strong emotions and intense competition, such as, "The mayoral election became "a heated contest" as the candidates clashed over key policy issues."

What's a good alternative to "a heated contest"?

Alternatives to "a heated contest" include "an intense competition", "a fierce rivalry", or "a tight race", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a heated contest" in formal writing?

Yes, "a heated contest" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news articles, reports, or analytical pieces where you want to convey the intensity of a competitive situation. The phrase appears frequently in news media.

What kind of situations typically qualify as "a heated contest"?

Situations that involve high stakes, strong disagreements, and significant emotional investment from participants, such as political elections, legal battles, or major sporting championships, often qualify as "a heated contest".