a legitimate upset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate upset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a surprising or unexpected outcome that is valid or justifiable, often in the context of sports or competitions. Example: "The underdog team pulled off a legitimate upset by defeating the reigning champions in the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was a legitimate upset.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their versatility will give Creighton fits -- this is a legitimate 14-3 upset for your bracket.

Huffington Post

"There is real and legitimate upset and worry from European citizens across our country about their long-term status in the UK," said Farron.

The Guardian

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: "There is real, and legitimate, upset and worry from European citizens across our country about their long-term status in the UK.

The Guardian

PAGE A19 Obituaries CHARLES S. LIEBER, 78 A clinical nutritionist who promoted alcohol research as a legitimate science, he upset scientific dogma by showing that alcohol in excess can cause cirrhosis.

The New York Times

But if that one loss will mean the difference between a quick first-round exit and a legitimate shot at an upset, do the Knicks owe it to their fans – all of them, and not just the ones with tickets to a particular game – to do everything in their power to secure the more advantageous matchup?

The New York Times

Trinidad, the World Boxing Association champion, is the favorite in the bout, but in recent weeks Hopkins, holder of the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Council belts, has convinced some analysts that he has a legitimate chance of pulling off the upset.

The New York Times - Sports

Hurant's attorney, Charles Hochbaum, told reporters his client was "upset and confused that a legitimate business should be the target of a Homeland Security investigation".

Vice

But Mays, with his plain-spoken populism, upsets their plans by becoming a legitimate contender, and this is where the movie begins to flounder.

The New York Times

Only time will tell if injuries and upsets can stay out of his path as he mounts a legitimate challenge to hold the most Grand Slam silverware.

The New York Times

A legitimate question.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a legitimate upset" to describe situations where an unexpected outcome is not only surprising but also justifiable or valid, often due to specific circumstances or factors that make it reasonable. It is particularly effective in discussing sports, politics, or competitive events.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate upset" too frequently, as it can become repetitive. Instead, consider using alternative phrases like "a valid surprise" or "a genuine upset" to maintain variety in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate upset" functions as a noun phrase where "legitimate" modifies the noun "upset". It describes an unexpected outcome or reversal that is considered valid or justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a legitimate upset" is a phrase used to describe an unexpected outcome that is considered valid and justifiable. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its correct usage in English, primarily within news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it judiciously, considering alternatives to avoid repetition. The phrase serves to convey that a surprising event has a reasonable basis, making it more than just a random occurrence. Related phrases include "a valid surprise" or "a genuine upset", offering similar nuances. Understanding these aspects can enhance your writing by providing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valid surprise

Emphasizes the genuine and acceptable nature of the unexpected outcome.

a genuine surprise

Highlights the authenticity and unexpectedness of the event.

a justifiable upset

Focuses on the reasons or circumstances that make the upset reasonable or acceptable.

a warranted upset

Suggests that the upset was deserved or called for based on the situation.

a rightful surprise

Implies that the surprise was fair or deserved, often in a competitive context.

a reasonable upset

Highlights that the surprise was understandable and not entirely unexpected given the circumstances.

an authentic upset

Stresses the unadulterated and real nature of the unexpected event.

a credible surprise

Indicates that the surprise is believable and not easily dismissed.

a well-founded upset

Emphasizes that the upset is based on solid reasons or evidence.

an understandable surprise

Suggests that the surprise is not shocking and can be easily comprehended.

FAQs

How can I use "a legitimate upset" in a sentence?

You can use "a legitimate upset" to describe a situation where an unexpected outcome is both surprising and justifiable. For example, "The underdog team's victory was "a legitimate upset" because they had prepared extensively and exploited their opponent's weaknesses."

What phrases are similar to "a legitimate upset"?

Similar phrases include "a valid surprise", "a genuine surprise", and "a justifiable upset". These alternatives emphasize the unexpected yet reasonable nature of the outcome.

Is it correct to say "a legitimate upset"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "a legitimate upset" is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe a surprising yet valid outcome, particularly in sports or political contexts.

What's the difference between "a legitimate upset" and "an illegitimate upset"?

"A legitimate upset" refers to an unexpected outcome that is considered valid or justifiable, while "an illegitimate upset" would imply that the unexpected outcome is somehow invalid, unfair, or based on improper factors. In this case it can be preferable to say "a controversial result".