chess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the game itself, discussing strategies, or mentioning it in the context of competitions or hobbies. Example: "After a long day, I enjoy unwinding by playing chess with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sembène takes this brilliant scenario (based on a true story) and turns it into a chess game of multiple characters, an engrossing drama about African religion and, underneath that, a film about African pride.

The Guardian - Film

However, we have to be firm in protecting our core national interest … When you play chess you have a number of pieces on the board, but when talking about a country, you're talking about how many planes you have, how many submarines.

The Guardian

"I like chess because it involves planning," said Mutesi.

The Guardian

Phiona Mutesi happened upon chess as a nine-year-old in the sprawling and impoverished Katwe slum of the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

The Guardian

"The number of female players participating in national chess championships has doubled," he said, adding that each of the 26 schools set to compete in Uganda's annual championships in April will have both female and male teams.

The Guardian

Katende is now building a chess academy to accommodate 150 students outside Kampala.

The Guardian

But walk away from the cafes churning out chalga (Bulgaria's dubious gift to pop music), and as the buildings thin out there is no one but yoga enthusiasts and naked men playing chess.

The Guardian - Travel

The international master and chess journalist Malcolm Pein, a gentler soul, is one of those who want to see the game flourish again in British schools.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When I talk to headteachers," says Pein, "they often say: 'We always had a chess club when I was at school.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kasparov, who held the world chess championship title for 15 years and is commonly regarded as the greatest player the world has yet seen, disputed claims that Putin is popular in Russia, saying propaganda and restrictions on free speech had driven criticism underground.

The Guardian - Books

RB I like text as well as chess in my chess books, and The Joys of Chess by Christian Hesse (New in Chess) has plenty of both.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chess" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to strategy, planning, or competition to maintain relevance for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "chess" simply to sound intelligent. Ensure the context genuinely involves strategic thinking or planning, or the metaphor will fall flat.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chess" is as a noun. It typically refers to the board game itself, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples such as, "I like text as well as "chess" in my chess books" or can function metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chess" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the well-known strategy game. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread. It serves to reference the game itself or to illustrate strategic thinking in varied scenarios. Found predominantly in news and media contexts, "chess" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, consider using "the game of chess" for explicit references. When employing it metaphorically, ensure a clear connection to strategy and planning. Steer clear of irrelevant applications to avoid weakening your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the game of chess

Adds specificity by explicitly stating it's a game.

chess game

A shorter, more concise way to refer to a game of chess.

a strategic board game

Generalizes "chess" to a broader category of games involving strategy and a board.

intellectual duel

Emphasizes the competitive and mental aspect of chess.

strategy game

Highlights the strategic element common to chess.

mind game

Focuses on the psychological elements of chess playing.

tactical battle

Suggests the combative and planned actions within a chess match.

sixty-four squares

Refers to the game using its defining characteristic: the chessboard.

complex game

Highlights the intricate nature and rules of chess.

mental exercise

Emphasizes the cognitive benefits and demands of playing chess.

FAQs

How to use "chess" in a sentence?

"Chess" can be used to refer to the game itself, as in, "I enjoy playing chess", or metaphorically, as in, "The negotiation was like a game of chess.".

What can I say instead of "chess"?

You can use alternatives like "chess game", "strategy game", or "intellectual duel" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "chess" or "the game of chess"?

Both are correct. "Chess" is shorter and more common, while "the game of chess" is more explicit and can be useful for clarity.

What's the difference between "chess" and "checkers"?

"Chess" is a complex strategy game played with different pieces, each with unique moves, while "checkers" is a simpler game also played on a checkered board but with uniform pieces and simpler rules.