an even contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competition or situation where both sides have equal chances of winning or succeeding. Example: "The championship match was an even contest, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This has settled in to an even contest now, mind.

The Guardian - Sport

What looked like being an even contest changed when Ayew was dismissed for fouling Jonathan Hogg near the halfway line.

The Guardian - Sport

What might have become a one-sided massacre shifted closer to an even contest when black former doughboys aggressively defended their community.

The New York Times - Books

Uninteresting enigmas, perhaps, but in a game of minor consequences, that and the likelihood of an even contest at least make this match-up interesting.

The Guardian - Sport

It was not, in truth, an even contest and when Jones had Bradford's first shot on target – a final-minute slow roller straight to Gerhard Tremmel – their fans celebrated with genuine pride.

Independent

Having thoroughly compromised himself in the interest of respectability, Hassam faced long odds in an even contest with clever ruffians, just off the boat, who had nothing to lose.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

For the two teams, who were involved in a fairly even contest at Deepdale, a point will be viewed as a satisfactory start to a campaign in which both are expected to challenge for a return to the Championship.

BBC

Two tries in the build-up to half-time took an initially even contest away from the Bulls, and they were brushed aside after the interval, with Danny Brough finishing with 22 points to become the top scorer in Magic Weekend history.

The Guardian - Sport

If he is interviewing for a lecturer's post, he says, "International experience could tip the balance in an otherwise even contest".

Science Magazine

The hot favourite Kingman finished second 12 months ago – in what was to be the only defeat of his career – and his trainer John Gosden thinks the decision to move the stalls and add a false rail may help produce a more even contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Green MP Caroline Lucas told BBC News it was a "pretty even contest" but added that there was a sense of "disappointment" that the "real issues" of the election "were not properly aired".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competition or situation, use "an even contest" to convey a sense of balance, fairness, and close competition between the participants. For example, "The debate between the candidates was an even contest, with both presenting compelling arguments."

Common error

Avoid using "an even contest" to describe situations where there is a clear imbalance in power, skill, or resources. For instance, describing a match between a professional athlete and an amateur as "an even contest" would be inaccurate and misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even contest" functions as a noun phrase, where "even" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "contest". It describes the nature of the contest, indicating that the participants have comparable abilities or opportunities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even contest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a situation or competition characterized by fairness and balanced opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news reporting, sports commentary, and general discourse where impartiality is desired. While highly versatile, the phrase should be used accurately to reflect a genuine equilibrium between the participants. Alternative phrases such as ""a balanced competition"" or ""a fair fight"" can provide nuance depending on the specific situation. Therefore, use "an even contest" judiciously to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a balanced competition

Focuses on the equilibrium of the competition.

a closely matched game

Emphasizes the tight margin between competitors.

a neck and neck race

Highlights the close proximity of competitors in a race.

a fair fight

Implies equity and just conditions in a conflict.

a level playing field

Stresses equal opportunities for all participants.

a well-matched pair

Suggests that the competitors possess comparable skills and strengths.

a tight match

Underscores the intensity and closeness of the competition.

an equal match

Highlights the equivalence of the competitors' abilities.

a competitive standoff

Emphasizes the stalemate and rivalry between competitors.

a nip and tuck battle

Conveys a very close and fluctuating competition where the lead changes hands frequently.

FAQs

How can I use "an even contest" in a sentence?

You can use "an even contest" to describe a situation or competition where the participants have similar abilities or chances of success. For example, "The chess match was an even contest, with both players displaying strategic prowess."

What are some alternatives to "an even contest"?

Alternatives to "an even contest" include "a balanced competition", "a closely matched game", or "a fair fight", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "an even contest" in formal writing?

Yes, "an even contest" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing competitions, debates, or situations where fairness and balance are important considerations. Its use is grammatically correct and easily understood.

What does it mean when something is described as "an even contest"?

When something is described as "an even contest", it means that the participants or sides involved have roughly equal chances of winning or succeeding. This implies a sense of balance, fairness, and potentially close competition.