battle for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battle for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a struggle to gain something, or to compete for something. For example, "The two teams are in a battle for first place in the standings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The battle for civility continues.

The Economist

A battle for national pride.

The New York Times - Sports

Battle for Haditha dir.

The Guardian - Film

A battle for survival?

The Guardian - Film

Describes the battle for Little Round Top.

The New Yorker

THE battle for Abidjan has begun.

The Economist

Account of the battle for the City.

The New Yorker

France has lost its battle for French.

The Economist

The battle for Mali is not over.

The New York Times

A battle for Hong Kong has emerged.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Battle for Seattle, Part 2: Hijacked!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "battle for" to describe situations where there is significant conflict or competition for a limited resource or goal. For example, "the "battle for" market share" or "the "battle for" talent."

Common error

Avoid using "battle for" in situations where the competition is mild or collaborative. Opt for phrases like "compete for" or "collaborate on" to better reflect the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "battle for" functions as a prepositional phrase that often acts as an adjectival modifier, describing the nature of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a struggle or competition to gain something. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts like "the "battle for" public opinion" or "the "battle for" shareholders".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "battle for" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that signifies a competitive or confrontational struggle to obtain something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and even business. With a neutral register, it effectively highlights conflict and effort in achieving a desired outcome. Examples from Ludwig's database illustrate its versatility, from "the "battle for" public opinion" to "the "battle for" shareholders". While alternatives like "fight for" and "compete for" exist, "battle for" provides a strong emphasis on the intensity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight for

Emphasizes the active struggle and effort involved.

struggle for

Highlights the difficulty and arduous nature of the competition.

compete for

Focuses on the competitive aspect and the desire to win.

contend for

Implies a formal or organized competition.

vie for

Suggests a strong rivalry and eagerness to obtain something.

push for

Highlights the effort to promote or achieve something

campaign for

Implies a strategic effort to win support or achieve a goal.

race for

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of the competition.

pursuit of

Focuses on chasing a goal in a persistent way.

quest for

Suggests a long and challenging search for something valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "battle for" in a sentence?

You can use "battle for" to describe a competitive situation, such as "The companies are engaged in a fierce "battle for" market dominance" or "The political parties are in a "battle for" control of the government."

What are some alternatives to "battle for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fight for", "compete for", or "struggle for". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the specific situation.

Is it appropriate to use "battle for" in formal writing?

Yes, "battle for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing intense competition or conflict. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "battle for" and "competition for"?

"Battle for" suggests a more intense and confrontational situation than "competition for". While both imply vying for something, "battle for" indicates higher stakes and greater effort.