be won with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be won with" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing; the correct expression would typically be "won over by" or "won with." Example: "She was won over by his charm and kindness."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Victory must be won with ambitious research.

The New York Times

But this World Cup will not be won with 260s.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a battle that can only be won with openness, free argument and light.

The Economist

CAN the battle against music piracy be won with sweeping new laws?

The Economist

"The conflict here will not be won with bombs but with books...

The New York Times

If the race stays close, the Senate seat could be won with just over one-third of the total vote.

The New York Times

But to waves of American settlers, it was a bonanza to be won with their own sweat and toil.

The New York Times

The huge cuts in health costs that could be won with cleaner air are also becoming better understood.

The Guardian

Labour's campaign chief, Douglas Alexander, says that the election will be won with the hard work of activists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each region has a fixed number of seats to be won, with parties putting forward a list of candidates.

The Guardian

And yet, these are battles that can only be won with the help of the public authorities.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how a victory or positive outcome is achieved, use stronger, more precise verbs like "attained", "secured", or "accomplished" to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "The election was won with grassroots support", consider "The election was secured through grassroots support."

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead of saying "The game was won with skill", opt for a more active voice construction like "Skill won the game" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be won with" functions as a passive construction, indicating the means by which a victory or achievement is obtained. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically incorrect despite its widespread usage, suggesting that while the meaning is generally understood, the structure does not align with standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Politics

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be won with" is used to describe the means by which a victory or achievement is secured. Despite its frequent occurrence in news, sports, and political contexts, Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically incorrect. This discrepancy highlights a common tension between everyday language use and formal grammar rules. For more precise and grammatically sound writing, consider using alternatives like "be achieved through" or "be attained by". While the meaning of "be won with" is generally understood, adhering to more conventional grammatical structures can enhance clarity and credibility, especially in formal writing. Therefore, understanding the contexts where the phrase is common and being mindful of its grammatical status can lead to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be accomplished with

Highlights the tools, resources, or instruments employed to achieve a particular goal.

be achieved through

Focuses on the method or process by which something is accomplished.

be attained by

Emphasizes the act of gaining or reaching a desired result through specific actions.

be obtained through

Stresses the process or actions taken to acquire something.

be secured via

Highlights the means or channel through which something is made certain or safe.

be gained by means of

Stresses the tools, resources, or strategies employed to obtain a particular goal.

be realized using

Focuses on the practical application or instruments used to bring something into existence.

be ensured by

Focuses on what guarantees a particular result or outcome.

be facilitated by

Emphasizes the factors that make a process or outcome easier or more likely.

be delivered through

Highlights the mechanism or channel through which something is provided or achieved.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "be won with"?

Consider using alternatives like "be achieved through", "be attained by", or "be secured via" to convey a more grammatically sound expression.

Is "be won with" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, "be won with" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's often better to use phrases like "be achieved through" or "be gained by means of" for better clarity and correctness.

How can I improve my writing by avoiding phrases like "be won with"?

Focus on using active voice constructions and stronger verbs. For example, instead of "The battle was won with courage", try "Courage won the battle". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

What is the difference between "be won with" and "be achieved with"?

While both phrases relate to accomplishment, "be achieved with" is grammatically sound, while "be won with" is considered incorrect. "Be achieved with" is preferred because it uses a standard verb form, resulting in a more formal and correct sentence.