a thrilling match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thrilling match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an exciting or exhilarating sporting event or competition. Example: "The final game of the tournament was a thrilling match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It was a thrilling match to be a part of," he said.

The New York Times

"Bridge of Spies" is a thrilling match up between Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance.

The New Yorker

The abrupt pulsations of Gismonti's rhythms and MacGregor's visceral attack made a thrilling match.

The Guardian - Music

A thrilling match enjoyed a dramatic denouement on Sunday but left both sides disappointed.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a thrilling match and the Lions were undoubtedly heroic, to the point of foolhardiness.

The New York Times - Sports

First, a shootout in Germany gave Japan the Women's World Cup title in a thrilling match against the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

But, while Giggs, just shy of his 38th birthday, scored a thrilling, match-saving goal for Manchester United in Lisbon on Wednesday, Zanetti, three months older, suffered an embarrassing defeat with Inter Milan.

The New York Times - Sports

At the end of a tense, thrilling match, Claudio Ranieri took a couple of steps on to the playing surface, blew out his cheeks and then started to applaud his players for their effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus for a neutral it was heart-warming to see him show the strength of character to shut his mind to the boos and, when sent clear in the second period, cap an absorbing and thrilling match by converting successive chances with aplomb.

Independent

"The atmosphere was really festive and I loved to be a part of the thrilling match," said former national cricketer Hannan Sarkar.

UNICEF

The tiny boys make a thrilling choreographic match for the bigger people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thrilling match" to convey excitement and high stakes, particularly in sports reporting or event summaries. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "an exciting game" or "a captivating contest" for broader appeal.

Common error

While "a thrilling match" is acceptable in news and sports contexts, avoid using it in formal or academic writing where a more neutral or analytical tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thrilling match" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a specific event or competition, emphasizing its exciting and engaging qualities. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Sport

16%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thrilling match" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an exciting and engaging event, particularly in sports and general media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it is best suited for neutral to slightly informal contexts, its overuse in formal or academic settings should be avoided. For more formal settings, consider alternative expressions like "an exciting game" or "a captivating contest". The analysis reveals that its primary function is to convey excitement and intensity, as supported by numerous examples from reputable sources such as the BBC, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exciting game

Replaces "thrilling" with a more general term for excitement, suitable for a wider range of contexts.

a captivating contest

Substitutes "thrilling" with "captivating" focusing on the event's ability to hold attention.

an exhilarating competition

Uses "exhilarating" instead of "thrilling", highlighting the invigorating nature of the event.

a nail-biting game

Emphasizes the suspense and tension of the match, making it a particularly close and intense competition.

a gripping encounter

Focuses on the engaging and immersive nature of the match, drawing the audience in.

an intense battle

Highlights the competitive and high-stakes nature of the match.

a spectacular showdown

Emphasizes the impressive and visually stunning aspects of the match.

an edge-of-your-seat competition

Highlights how the exciting event encourages active viewership.

a remarkable sporting event

Shifts the focus to the overall impressiveness and memorability of the event.

a pulsating game

Focuses on the fast-paced and energetic aspects of the game.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a thrilling match"?

You can use alternatives like "an exciting game", "a captivating contest", or "an exhilarating competition" depending on the context.

How do I use "a thrilling match" in a sentence?

"A thrilling match" is typically used as a noun phrase after a verb like 'was', 'it was', or 'they had'. For example, "It was a thrilling match to watch" or "They had a thrilling match against their rivals".

Is "thrilling match" formal or informal?

"Thrilling match" is generally considered suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts like news reporting and sports commentary. It is less appropriate for academic or highly formal writing.

What makes a match "thrilling"?

A "thrilling match" typically involves close competition, unexpected turns, high stakes, and significant emotional investment from participants and spectators alike. It's an event that keeps people engaged and excited.