an intense scramble

USAGE SUMMARY

"an intense scramble" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where there is a frantic or urgent effort to achieve something. Example: "During the final minutes of the game, there was an intense scramble for the ball." Alternative expressions include "a fierce rush" and "a chaotic dash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is an intense scramble to replace him in an election called for December.

The New York Times

"There is an intense scramble to find new homes," said Kenneth Krasnow, regional managing director in Connecticut and Westchester for Cushman & Wakefield, a real estate services firm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The sheer scale of Mr. Obama's fund-raising machine has led to an especially intense scramble for plum ambassadorships, with as many as 300 people vying for just 30 or so positions, according to several people involved in the process.

The New York Times

Graduates are facing the most intense scramble in a decade to get a job this summer, as a poll of employers reveals the number of applications for each vacancy has surged to nearly 70 while the number of available positions is predicted to fall by nearly 7%.

The Guardian

"We had to rehearse meticulously and it was this mad, intense scramble to capture this magic light, this previous hour and a half of beautiful illustrious 'Chivo' (cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's nickname) light.

Independent

Jordan, already consumed with an intense financial crisis and a growing protest movement, is scrambling to keep up with the influx.

The New York Times

But as the movement has spread east through Anbar, two responses have emerged: an intense pride in the hard-fought peace, and a sometimes violent scramble for rewards, credit and power.

The New York Times

During an intense 90-second stretch in the middle of the third period, the Jets had the Rangers scrambling in their own zone while they peppered Biron with shots.

The New York Times

Now, with a confidence vote in Parliament scheduled to begin this week, the government's scramble to stay in power and its rivals' efforts to oust it have set off an intense and often brazen round of political bargaining.

The New York Times

Both felt an intense zing.

The New York Times

He is an intense performer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intense scramble" to vividly depict a situation where multiple parties are urgently competing for a limited resource or opportunity. This phrase is effective for conveying both the urgency and the potential chaos of the situation.

Common error

While "an intense scramble" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "a rigorous competition" or "a concerted effort" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intense scramble" functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "scramble". It describes a situation characterized by urgency and competition, often for a limited resource. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intense scramble" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys a sense of urgency and competition. While Ludwig AI indicates its correctness, its relatively low frequency and predominantly News & Media context suggest it may be less suitable for highly formal or academic settings. Consider alternative phrases like "frenzied dash" or "vigorous competition" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mad scramble

Indicates a hurried and possibly irrational attempt to achieve something.

a frenzied dash

Emphasizes the speed and lack of control in the attempt.

a fierce competition

Underlines the aggressive and determined nature of the rivalry.

a desperate struggle

Highlights the high stakes and the potential for failure.

a chaotic rush

Focuses on the disorganization and lack of planning.

a frantic competition

Emphasizes the competitive aspect and the heightened emotions involved.

a wild melee

Implies a disorganized and potentially violent struggle.

a heated contest

Highlights the rivalry and strong emotions in the situation.

an all-out effort

Focuses on the exhaustive and comprehensive nature of the attempt.

a vigorous pursuit

Highlights the energetic and determined effort to obtain something.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intense scramble" to describe a situation with urgent competition. For example: "There was "an intense scramble" to replace him in an election."

What are some alternatives to "an intense scramble"?

Alternatives include "a frenzied dash", "a desperate struggle", or "a chaotic rush", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intense scramble" formal or informal?

"Intense scramble" is generally considered suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "rigorous competition" or "concerted effort".

What does "an intense scramble" imply?

"An intense scramble" suggests a situation characterized by urgency, competition, and potential disarray, where participants are vying for a limited resource or opportunity with considerable effort and zeal.