a tightly contested game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tightly contested game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game or match that is closely fought, with both sides having a fair chance of winning. Example: "The championship match was a tightly contested game, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Carlo Ancelotti's team were rather laboured and ultimately lucky to win a tightly contested game against Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 on Saturday evening, courtesy of a Mats Hummel header from an improvised corner ("I was supposed to take it short but no one came," Joshua Kimmich said) and Javi Martínez saving a goal-bound Kevin Volland header with his right arm, without anyone relevant noticing.

The Guardian - Sport

According to the award-winning video game, the Pittsburgh Steelers will win an unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title in a tightly contested game against the Arizona Cardinals, by a final score of 28-24.

TechCrunch

Ontario Christian (11-7), runner-up in the Ambassador League, went on a 9-1 run in the first and an 8-1 run in the second — both of which quickly turned a tightly contested game into a comfortable lead.

Los Angeles Times

"I don't expect any less and I want to push these guys to how good they can be". In a tightly contested game, especially early on, La Cañada held the Tigers off to win, 13-8, using relentless defense and five goals from Peter Loakes to start Rio Hondo with a big win.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Detroit also won Game 2, but Toronto won the next two games at home to force a deciding and tightly contested Game 5 in Detroit.

Wikipedia

The midfielder Chris Erskine changed the tone of the tightly contested game with a wonderful curling shot after 36 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

But even if the tightly contested Game 2 possessed a wholly different mood, the end results — deafening cheers, swirling orange towels, contented fans — were the same, as the Giants slipped away with a 2-0 win, securing two late runs to take a two-game lead in the Series.

The New York Times - Sports

The Pacers, surprising everyone (and maybe even themselves), won the first game of the Eastern Conference finals against the Heat in blowout fashion and, in the first three quarters of Tuesday's tightly contested Game 2, looked like they had a chance to put Miami in a 0-2 series hole.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, there is the series between the Yankees and the Orioles, which has featured three tightly contested games and the ongoing saga of A-Rod's place in the New York batting order.

The New Yorker

In Tennessee, the losses have come one after another, in tightly contested games.

The New York Times

This is great for the watching public but extremely stressful for coaches and players who are under pressure to succeed week after week in tense, tightly contested games.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tightly contested game" to describe sporting events, elections, or any competition where the outcome is very close and difficult to predict until the very end.

Common error

Avoid using "a tightly contested game" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "a close game" or "a tough match" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tightly contested game" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing the nature of the game. It modifies the noun "game" by indicating the intensity and closeness of the competition. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and can be used to describe matches where both sides have good chances of winning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tightly contested game" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a closely fought competition where the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability in written English. While not overly common, it frequently appears in news and media, fitting a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, consider using this phrase to effectively convey suspense, intense rivalry, and unpredictability. Alternatives like "a closely fought match" or "a hard-fought battle" may be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a closely fought match

Emphasizes the close nature of the competition.

a hard-fought battle

Highlights the effort and intensity involved.

a hard-fought game

Highlights the determination and effort involved from both sides.

a nail-biting encounter

Focuses on the suspense and excitement.

a game of inches

Implies that small margins determined the outcome.

a close game

A more general term for a game with a small score difference.

a competitive game

Focuses on the competitive nature of the game.

an evenly matched contest

Highlights the balance of skill and ability between the competitors.

a balanced game

Highlights the fairness of the match, where both sides have similar chances to win.

a neck-and-neck race

Emphasizes the closeness of the competition throughout.

FAQs

What does "a tightly contested game" mean?

It refers to a game or competition where the participants are very evenly matched, and the outcome remains uncertain until the very end.

What can I say instead of "a tightly contested game"?

You can use alternatives like "a closely fought match", "a hard-fought battle", or "a close game".

Is "tightly contested game" formal or informal?

It leans towards the neutral to formal side but can be used in many contexts. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for very informal settings.

How do you use "a tightly contested game" in a sentence?

Example: "The championship final was "a tightly contested game", keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle."