an intense match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intense match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competitive event, such as a sports game, that is characterized by high levels of excitement, tension, or skill. Example: "The championship game was an intense match, with both teams giving their all until the final whistle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's going to be an intense match.

The Guardian - Sport

From there, Mickelson did not get up and down, and he lost an intense match by making a bogey from the fairway on a par 5.

The New York Times - Sports

As adults, they often celebrated Christmas in Hawaii, playing Scrabble — Mr. Obama trounced her in an intense match the month before the Iowa caucuses — and savoring time with their families.

The New York Times

In the fourth set, Erlich had to be treated for a sore shoulder and lost service in the third game in what proved to be the decisive break of an intense match, which lasted 3 46.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was an intense match, with tensions and disputes among players and these things can happen when you want to win so much and are playing so intensely," said Milla.

The Guardian - Sport

He could not hide his disappointment to be thrown questions about finance and transfers in the immediate aftermath of an intense match with quite a lot on the line, even at this early stage of the campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Accordingly, there would be an expected greater effect in stressful environmental conditions, following a long intense match where there is appreciable incomplete rehydration and body cooling before going on court again.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

D.C. United took early control of a physical and intense match when Adu stole the ball from MetroStars defender Jeff Parke, then fired a shot off Parke into the goal in the 16th minute.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not going in there thinking I'm going to knock him out or beat him by 12 points, it's going to be a very close and intense match which the crowd will enjoy and I'm ready for it".

BBC

The most intense match involving a Williams sister so far in New York might have been the shopping expedition they took together last week.

The New York Times - Sports

Upset because he thought the Pacers were setting illegal screens, Sprewell ran hard into a third-quarter pick by Sam Perkins and then got into an intense shouting match with the Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal while being held back by an official.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intense match" when you want to convey not just that a game or contest was competitive, but also that it was emotionally charged or required a high degree of focus and effort.

Common error

Avoid using "intense" to describe every match or game. Save it for occasions where the emotional or competitive stakes are unusually high, otherwise, it will lose its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intense match" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "match". It describes a specific type of event. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable in written English. Examples provided by Ludwig show this phrase used in various contexts to describe sporting events and competitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intense match" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing a game or competition marked by high levels of excitement and effort. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, this analysis indicates that it is not the most frequently used phrase, but rather uncommon in broader contexts. Usage is dominant in News & Media, then Science and Wiki. When writing, reserve "intense" for truly exceptional matches to maintain its descriptive power. As a final check, consider the wealth of alternative phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a closely contested game

Emphasizes the close nature of the competition.

a highly competitive bout

Focuses on the competitive aspect using a boxing term.

a thrilling encounter

Highlights the exciting and suspenseful nature of the event.

a gripping contest

Suggests that the competition is captivating and holds one's attention.

a fierce showdown

Emphasizes the intensity and potential conflict.

an electrifying game

Emphasizes the excitement and energy.

a nail-biting competition

Highlights the suspense and anxiety involved.

an absorbing duel

Focuses on the engaging and immersive quality of the competition.

a heated clash

Stresses the passionate and potentially confrontational nature of the event.

a spirited rivalry

Highlights the competitive dynamic and strong emotions between participants.

FAQs

How can I use "an intense match" in a sentence?

You can use "an intense match" to describe any competition characterized by high stakes, close competition, and strong emotions. For example, "The final game of the tournament was "an intense match", keeping everyone on the edge of their seats."

What are some alternatives to "an intense match"?

You can use alternatives like "a closely contested game", "a thrilling encounter", or "a fierce showdown" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "an intense match" or "a intense match"?

"An intense match" is correct. The word "intense" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an" instead of "a".

What makes "an intense match" different from a regular match?

"An intense match" implies a higher level of emotional investment, closer competition, and more dramatic moments than a typical match. It suggests a game where the outcome is uncertain and the participants are highly engaged.