a tight race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tight race" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a competition or contest where the outcome is very close, often referring to elections or sports events. Example: "The election results were announced, and it turned out to be a tight race between the two candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's a tight race.

The New Yorker

It was a tight race.

Independent

What a tight race.

The Guardian - Sport

It appears to be a tight race.

The Economist

Local experts are predicting a tight race.

The Guardian

Polls show a tight race there.

The Guardian

Mr. Young won in a tight race.

The New York Times

But bookies were predicting a tight race.

The Guardian - Music

And in a tight race, every vote counts.

The Economist

It's a tight race, which we examine in depth here.

The New York Times

Polls show the candidates in a tight race there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an election, use "a tight race" to convey the uncertainty and closeness of the outcome. For instance, "Polls suggest it will be "a tight race" in the upcoming mayoral election".

Common error

Avoid using "a tight race" to describe situations that don't involve direct competition. For example, don't say "It's "a tight race" to finish the project on time"—instead, use "a tight deadline" or "a challenging schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tight race" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to characterize a competitive situation where the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI shows its common use in describing elections and sporting events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tight race" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively describes a close and uncertain competition, particularly in elections and sports. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in news and media, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context involves a competitive scenario where the outcome is not easily predictable. Alternatives such as "a close contest" or "a neck-and-neck competition" can be used to convey a similar meaning. While versatile, avoiding its use in non-competitive situations prevents misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close contest

Replaces "race" with "contest", emphasizing the competitive aspect but not necessarily involving speed.

a neck-and-neck competition

Uses a more vivid idiom to describe the closeness of the competition.

a closely fought battle

Emphasizes the struggle and intensity of the competition.

a narrow victory

Focuses on the outcome of the race being decided by a small margin.

a photo finish

Describes a race so close that a photograph is needed to determine the winner.

a marginal win

Highlights that the win was achieved by a very small amount or degree.

a cliffhanger

Indicates a situation where the outcome remains uncertain until the very end.

a too-close-to-call situation

Directly states that the result is difficult to predict or determine.

a nail-biting finish

Suggests the conclusion of the race was tense and exciting.

a dead heat

Describes a race where the competitors finish at exactly the same time.

FAQs

What does "a tight race" mean?

The phrase "a tight race" describes a competition or election where the outcome is very close and uncertain. It suggests that the competitors are evenly matched, and the result could go either way.

How can I use "a tight race" in a sentence?

You might say, "The polls indicate "a tight race" between the two leading candidates" or "It was "a tight race" to the finish line, with both runners neck and neck".

What can I say instead of "a tight race"?

You can use alternatives like "a close contest", "a neck-and-neck competition", or "a closely fought battle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tight race" in a formal setting?

Yes, the phrase "a tight race" is generally appropriate for use in formal settings, especially when discussing politics, sports, or business competitions. It is commonly found in news articles and reports.