a rivalry between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rivalry between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a strong competitive relationship between two people or groups. For example, "There has been a long-standing rivalry between the two teams since they first met in 1995."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

What about a rivalry between you two?

The New York Times - Arts

"There was a rivalry between us," Mr. Lyne says.

The New York Times

"There's always a rivalry between neighbors," Mr. Martínez said.

The New York Times

"That's why people think there's a rivalry between us.

The New York Times - Sports

I get that people want to see a rivalry between me and Usain.

The Guardian - Sport

Why do you think the press want to start a rivalry between you and Taylor Swift?

The Guardian - Music

I would definitely say there's a rivalry between Southport and Fleetwood.

The Guardian - Sport

The development of a rivalry between the state-sharing teams will have to wait.

The New York Times - Sports

Asked about the bad blood between the two following the heats on Saturday, Horton said, "I don't know if it's a rivalry between me and him, just a rivalry between me and athletes who have tested positive".

The Guardian - Sport

According to the chief of the local sheriff's department, that led a rivalry between the two men.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All this talk of a rivalry between ourselves and Godolphin," said Magnier, "is just a lot of nonsense".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a rivalry, be specific about the nature of the competition. What are the individuals or groups competing for, and what are the stakes?

Common error

Avoid portraying rivalries as purely negative. Often, they can drive innovation and excellence by pushing competitors to improve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rivalry between" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a subject or object in a sentence, describing a competitive relationship. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for describing strong competitive relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rivalry between" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively describes a competitive relationship between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it is most frequently found in news and sports contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "a competition between" or "a conflict between" can be used, "a rivalry between" often carries a connotation of sustained and intense competition. When writing, it's important to provide specific details about the rivalry's nature and avoid oversimplifying the dynamics involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a competition between

Replaces "rivalry" with a more general term for competitive interaction, suitable for less intense situations.

a contest between

Similar to "competition", but often implies a more structured and formal setting.

a conflict between

Emphasizes the adversarial aspect of the relationship, highlighting disagreement and opposition.

a struggle between

Highlights the effort and exertion involved in the competitive relationship, emphasizing the challenges faced by each side.

a feud between

Suggests a long-standing and often bitter animosity, typically involving personal or familial disputes.

an opposition between

Stresses the contrasting goals or interests that drive the competitive dynamic.

a clash between

Suggests a more direct and forceful confrontation, either physical or ideological.

a tension between

Focuses on the underlying strain and unease in the relationship, without necessarily implying open hostility.

discord between

Emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement, highlighting the disruptive nature of the relationship.

antagonism between

Points to a deep-seated animosity and mutual dislike, often rooted in conflicting values or beliefs.

FAQs

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

Use "a rivalry between" to introduce a competitive relationship. For example, "There's "a rivalry between" the two tech giants in the smartphone market".

What are some alternatives to using "a rivalry between"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a competition between", "a conflict between", or "a feud between".

Is it correct to say "a rivalry among" instead of "a rivalry between"?

"A rivalry between" is generally used for two entities, while "a rivalry among" is used for three or more. For instance, ""a rivalry between" the two brothers" versus "a rivalry among the three sisters".

How does "a rivalry between" differ from "a partnership between"?

"A rivalry between" implies competition and antagonism, while "a partnership between" suggests cooperation and mutual benefit. They represent opposite ends of a relationship spectrum.