chief rival

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chief rival" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary competitor or opponent in a particular context, such as business, sports, or personal relationships. Example: "In the world of tech startups, Company A has always considered Company B to be its chief rival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rim-Sin later became Hammurabi's chief rival.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3. What about his chief rival?

The Washington Post

Kerrigan was Harding's chief rival there.

The New York Times - Sports

Go's chief rival (seemingly everybody's chief rival these days) is Microsoft, the software giant.

The New York Times

The fans of Tottenham's chief rival had a field day.

The Washington Post

Jakes is immediately bought by Copper's chief rival.

The Guardian - Film

The specter of Boeing's chief rival was constant.

The New York Times

The company's chief rival, PepsiCo, is buying Quaker Oats.

The New York Times

Aleksei Grichin of Belarus is Bergoust's chief rival.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Karzai and his chief rival, Yunus Qanooni, were absent.

The New York Times

Apple's chief rival Samsung has also improved its smartwatch considerably.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing competition in business or politics, use "chief rival" to clearly identify the main opposing force. This term provides a concise way to frame the competitive landscape.

Common error

While "chief rival" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "main competitor" or "biggest opponent" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chief rival" is as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig AI, it identifies the main competitor or adversary in a given context. It often serves to frame discussions about competition or opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chief rival" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, as confirmed by Ludwig, serving to pinpoint the primary competitor or adversary in diverse scenarios. Its usage spans across formal settings, business, sports, and politics, prominently featuring in news media and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives include "main competitor" or "principal adversary". While appropriate for professional communication, it should be used judiciously in informal contexts. Ludwig examples from authoritative sources highlight its widespread and consistent application in describing competitive dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main competitor

Focuses on competition as the primary aspect, similar to "chief rival".

principal adversary

Emphasizes the adversarial relationship more strongly than "chief rival".

biggest competitor

Highlights the size or scale of the competition.

top opponent

Focuses on direct opposition in a contest or competition.

arch-nemesis

Implies a long-standing and intense personal rivalry.

foremost challenger

Highlights the act of challenging and being the most prominent one.

leading contender

Focuses on the aspect of vying for a position or title.

main antagonist

Suggests an active opposition or conflict, similar to "chief rival".

key competitor

Emphasizes the importance of the competitor in a particular market or field.

primary contender

Underscores the act of striving for a goal, similar to "chief rival".

FAQs

What does "chief rival" mean?

The phrase "chief rival" refers to the primary or main competitor of someone or something, often in a context of business, sports, or politics.

How can I use "chief rival" in a sentence?

You can use "chief rival" to clearly identify the main competitor in a particular situation. For example: "Company A considers Company B its "chief rival" in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "chief rival"?

Alternatives to "chief rival" include phrases such as "main competitor", "principal adversary", or "biggest competitor".

Is "chief rival" formal or informal?

"Chief rival" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for professional writing and news reporting. It can be replaced with options like "main opponent" in less formal contexts.