an even game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game or competition where both sides have an equal chance of winning or where the scores are tied. Example: "The match was thrilling, as it was an even game until the final minutes when one team scored the winning goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

At half-time it was an even game".

The Guardian - Sport

From then on it was an even game, with the relegated hosts at least as dangerous.

Independent

"It's probably a bit of an even game, to be honest.

Independent

I don't think there were stages where we were being out-played and, for long periods, it was an even game.

Independent

But they showed their flaws in the second half, when Miami transformed an even game at halftime into an odd one.

The New York Times - Sports

In between those two moments it was an even game, and before Spurs went 2-1 up they had been tense.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Frankly, if one of my team-mates gave that lbw in an evening game, I'd be fuming," he fumes.

The Guardian - Sport

After a decades-long absence from the network prime-time schedules, an evening game show was introduced in August 1999 on ABC with astonishing results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

KYOTO — The professional baseball players were warming up for an evening game at Wakasa Stadium in Kyoto: One was hitting grounders to some infielders, a few were tossing a ball around, and the home team was in a huddle.

The New York Times - Sports

As if to prove he wasn't still at sea,He put dramatic lights up in the branchesAnd all the same old people in their places,Triumphantly discarding in an evening game of hearts.

The New Yorker

We needed to score today, it was a really even game and a golden opportunity for us to be in the third round.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an even game" to objectively describe a situation where the competing parties have roughly equal chances of success or similar skill levels.

Common error

Avoid using "an even game" when you mean to describe a game that is enjoyable or entertaining, but not necessarily balanced. Using it to describe a game that is simply of high quality can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even game" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "even" modifies "game". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It primarily serves to characterize a particular game or match.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even game" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a balanced or closely contested match or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly within the contexts of news, media, and sports reporting. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation genuinely reflects a state of equilibrium between the participants, avoiding its application to merely describe an enjoyable, but not necessarily balanced, game. Alternatives such as "a balanced match" or "a close contest" may provide more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a balanced match

Focuses on the equilibrium of skills or opportunities between competitors.

a close contest

Highlights the tight competition and narrow margin between participants.

a neck and neck race

Emphasizes the nearly simultaneous progress of competitors, often in a literal race or figurative competition.

a level playing field

Suggests fairness and equal opportunities for all participants.

a tightly contested battle

Conveys a sense of intense competition and struggle between opponents.

a game of equals

Implies that the participants possess comparable abilities and strengths.

a well-matched game

Indicates that the competitors are suitably paired, resulting in a competitive encounter.

a drawn game

Refers specifically to a game that ends with both sides having the same score or result.

a stalemate

Highlights a situation where neither side can gain an advantage or make progress.

a dead heat

Used to describe a contest where competitors finish at exactly the same time or score.

FAQs

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

"An even game" is often used in sports commentary to describe a match where both teams have performed equally well. For example, "Despite the final score, it was "an even game" until the last quarter".

What are some synonyms for "an even game"?

Alternatives to "an even game" include phrases like "a balanced match", "a close contest", or "a level playing field", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a even game" instead of "an even game"?

No, the correct article to use before "even" is "an" because "even" begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, ""an even game"" is grammatically correct, whereas "a even game" is incorrect.

What does it mean when someone describes a competition as "an even game"?

When someone describes a competition as "an even game", they mean that the competitors or teams are well-matched, and the outcome is uncertain. The phrase indicates that neither side has a significant advantage, making it a balanced and competitive event.