as a contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event or situation that is being treated or viewed in the manner of a competition. Example: "The debate was organized as a contest to determine the best speaker among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is welfare as a contest.

The Guardian

As a contest, this is already over.

The Guardian - Sport

He regards anti-insurgent campaigns as "a contest between elites".

The New Yorker

Instead, he sees it as a contest between two Russias.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe they view it as a contest with the executive.

The New York Times

43 min: This is dead as a contest.

The Guardian - Sport

It's everybody's test, and it's wide open — exactly as a contest for President should be".

The New Yorker

Various myths mention the ball game, sometimes as a contest between day and night deities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IT STARTED as a contest between gentlemen but it ended in a brawl.

The Economist

"They're smart to run this as a contest rather than straight advertising," he said.

The New York Times

Antioxidation vs. oxidation has been billed as a contest between good and evil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a contest" when you want to frame a situation or event from the perspective of competition, emphasizing elements like winners, losers, or strategic maneuvering.

Common error

Avoid using "as a contest" when describing situations lacking clear competitive elements. For instance, describing a collaborative project "as a contest" might misrepresent its cooperative nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contest" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It describes the manner in which something is viewed or approached, framing it within a competitive context. Ludwig provides numerous examples highlighting its usage in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a contest" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to frame situations from a competitive perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves competitive elements to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "in the form of a competition" or "treated as a competition" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Remember that careful use will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seen as a competition

Highlights perception or viewpoint of an event being competitive.

considered a competition

Suggests a deliberative assessment leading to the conclusion of something being competitive.

regarded as a competition

Implies a more formal or considered judgment of something being competitive.

treated as a competition

Focuses on the act of considering something as a competition, rather than its inherent nature.

like a competition

Uses simile to draw a comparison to a competition, highlighting the competitive aspects.

as a competitive event

Adds specificity by explicitly defining the event as competitive.

as if it were a competition

Expresses the idea in a more hypothetical or imaginative way.

in the form of a competition

Emphasizes the structure or format being competitive, rather than the perspective.

with a competitive mindset

Shifts focus to the mental attitude or approach, emphasizing competitiveness.

in a competitive spirit

Highlights the enthusiastic and energetic nature of competitiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "as a contest" in a sentence?

You can use "as a contest" to frame a situation or event in terms of competition. For example, "The election was viewed "as a contest" between two opposing ideologies".

What's a good alternative to "as a contest"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in the form of a competition", "like a competition", or "treated as a competition".

Is it always appropriate to describe a debate "as a contest"?

While debates often have competitive elements, framing them solely "as a contest" might overlook the collaborative aspects of exchanging ideas. Consider whether the term accurately reflects the event's overall purpose.

When should I avoid using the phrase "as a contest"?

Avoid using "as a contest" in situations that are primarily cooperative or collaborative, where the emphasis is on teamwork rather than individual achievement or competition. For instance, describing a scientific collaboration "as a contest" would be misleading.