a major rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant competition or conflict between two parties, often in sports, business, or personal relationships. Example: "The annual match between the two teams has become a major rivalry that fans eagerly anticipate each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We're really proud of ourselves," Ms. Moss said, adding: "We have a major rivalry with Stuyvesant.

The New York Times

However, when former LSU head coach Nick Saban was hired in the same capacity at Alabama in 2007 season, the Alabama LSU game became a major rivalry game for each school.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The major rivalry of the next decade was between two newcomers, Qāsim Barīd and Yūsuf ʿĀdil Khan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is surely going to be the major rivalry over the next few years.

The Guardian - Sport

From next season, the bare minimum the NRL must do is ensure major rivalry matches – local derbies, longstanding feuds, grand final rematches, heated recent flare-ups – are kept out of the Origin period.

The Guardian - Sport

The Jets' first major rivalry was with Oakland and its owner-coach Al Davis, who was suspected of spying via helicopters and towers and adjacent hotels and even through the light bulbs in the visiting locker room in Oakland, at least in the fevered mind of Jets Coach Walt Michaels.

The New York Times

The other major rivalry of the club was that against Mura from Murska Sobota.

Wikipedia

Their other major rivalry was against Mura from Murska Sobota and matches between the two were dubbed as the Northeastern Derby.

Wikipedia

The Ohio Democratic Party has combined two major rivalries with a full-page newspaper ad attacking Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney for being a fan of the University of Michigan football team.

Huffington Post

"Rosario is sick," said Martín Souto, a journalist who has reported on all of Argentina's major rivalries.

The New York Times - Sports

The major rivalries and bloodshed spawned by the Indochina war in the 1970's have sputtered out over the last two years and Cambodia has settled back into the everyday misery of a land of poverty, injustice and continuing brutality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major rivalry", ensure the context clearly establishes the two entities involved and the basis of their competition. This provides clarity and impact for your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major rivalry" for minor or insignificant competitions. Reserve it for situations where the conflict or competition has significant implications or widespread attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major rivalry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It describes a significant state of competition or antagonism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major rivalry" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a significant competitive relationship, as verified by Ludwig AI. While the frequency of its usage is relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media, as well as in wikis. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the involved parties and the significance of their competition. Alternatives such as ""an intense competition"" or ""a significant feud"" may offer different nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A principal rivalry

Synonymous with "a major rivalry", simply using 'principal' instead of 'major'.

An intense competition

Focuses on the competitive aspect, emphasizing the high level of engagement and effort.

A significant feud

Highlights a prolonged and bitter animosity between parties.

A heated conflict

Emphasizes the passionate and potentially volatile nature of the disagreement.

A bitter dispute

Suggests a disagreement characterized by strong negative emotions.

A fierce opposition

Highlights the strength and determination of the resistance.

A primary contention

Highlights a main point of argument or disagreement.

A key antagonism

Emphasizes the underlying hostility between entities.

A notable clash

Refers to a specific instance of conflict or disagreement.

A considerable contest

Underscores the element of competition and the substantial effort involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a major rivalry" in a sentence?

You can use "a major rivalry" to describe a significant and intense competition between two entities. For example, "The annual football game represents "a major rivalry" between the two universities."

What's a good alternative to "a major rivalry"?

Alternatives include "an intense competition", "a significant feud", or "a heated conflict", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a major rivalry" in a formal context?

Yes, "a major rivalry" can be used in formal contexts, such as in news reports or academic analyses, to describe a significant competitive relationship. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids overly emotional language.

What makes a rivalry "major"?

A rivalry is considered "major" when it has significant consequences, widespread attention, or a long-standing history. It typically involves high stakes and intense emotions from those involved.