a rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competitive relationship between two parties, often in sports, business, or personal contexts. Example: "The rivalry between the two football teams has been intense for decades, with each match drawing large crowds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A rivalry?

The New York Times - Sports

Now that's a rivalry".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is not a rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Can a rivalry be made?

The New York Times

What a rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

What makes a rivalry?

The Guardian - Sport

Yet a rivalry persists.

The New York Times

A rivalry ensues.

The New Yorker

"It's quite a rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

Because their relationship is not a rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a rivalry over prestige.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rivalry" to clearly define an ongoing competitive state between two entities, ensuring the context highlights mutual awareness and some degree of sustained engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a rivalry" when describing a simple disagreement or isolated incident. A true rivalry implies a sustained and often public competition. Use alternatives like "a dispute" or "a conflict" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rivalry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig demonstrates its use in describing competitive relationships across various domains, from sports to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rivalry" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an ongoing competitive relationship. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its frequent use in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the intensity of the relationship when using this phrase, avoiding overstatement in less competitive situations. As Ludwig's examples show, understanding the nuances of "a rivalry" allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a competition

This term is a more general term for rivalry, lacking the inherent antagonism.

an antagonism

Implies a deeper, more hostile opposition than a simple rivalry.

a feud

Suggests a prolonged and bitter quarrel, often between families or groups.

a conflict

Highlights the struggle or clash, but not necessarily the ongoing nature of a rivalry.

a contention

Emphasizes the disagreement or dispute at the heart of the relationship.

a clash

Focuses on a specific encounter or confrontation between rivals.

a face-off

Highlights a direct confrontation or meeting between competitors.

a battle

Suggests a more intense and aggressive form of competition.

a struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in the competitive relationship.

a challenge

Implies a situation that tests one's abilities or resources against another.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rivalry" to describe an ongoing competition between two entities. For instance, "The two companies developed "a fierce rivalry" in the tech industry" or "The annual football game showcases "an intense rivalry" between the two universities".

What are some alternatives to "a rivalry"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a competition", "a feud", or "an antagonism". The best choice depends on the specific nature and intensity of the relationship you're describing.

What elements define a true rivalry?

A true rivalry typically involves sustained competition, mutual awareness, and often a history of conflict or disagreement. It's more than just a one-time event; it's an ongoing dynamic between two entities striving for dominance or superiority.

Is it appropriate to use "a rivalry" in a professional context?

Yes, "a rivalry" is appropriate in professional contexts when describing competition between businesses or organizations. For example, "The two corporations have "a long-standing rivalry" in the global market".