claimed first prize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "claimed first prize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has won a competition or contest, indicating that they have achieved the top position. Example: "After a fierce competition, she claimed first prize in the annual science fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

McWilliams-Franklin claimed first prize in 2008 with Detroit.

The New York Times - Sports

Shanghai Jiao Tong University claimed first prize; the University of Waterloo in Ontario received third.

MIT Technology Review

In the College-Level Soft Robotics Design Competition, the team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) claimed first prize for their Bio-Inspired Manta Ray Robot.

Harvard University

Between them, the brothers have claimed first prize in five of the last six Dakars.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Still in their teens, they claimed first prizes at other prime competitions (the Queen Elisabeth in Brussels for Mr. Repin, the Carl Flesch in London for Mr. Vengerov).

The New York Times - Arts

A team of undergraduate students from MIT claimed second prize at the 26th annual International Collegiate Programming Contest world finals in Honolulu last March-MIT's best performance at the competition in more than 20 years.

MIT Technology Review

The Red Storm had another chance Monday night to claim first prize, this time against Cornell.

The New York Times - Sports

It should be noted, however, that Malick suffered a similar response when The Tree of Life, played at Cannes last year – and still went on to claim first prize.

The Guardian - Film

The 33-year-old pulled out of her previous two tournaments with illness and a knee injury, yet still claimed the $2 million first prize, claimed the Billie-Jean King Trophy and also had a breed of orchid named after her in recognition.

Los Angeles Times

Shaw needed a final-day, five-under 67 to claim the first prize of $127,500, more than four times the $29,880 he had won in six previous tournaments this year.

The New York Times - Sports

The 23-year-old took six on the par-five 18th but still completed a closing 70 to seal a one-shot win over Molinari and claim the first prize of £303,000.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "claimed first prize", ensure the context clearly indicates a competition or contest where a top position can be achieved. This phrase is suitable for formal writing but can also be used in news reports.

Common error

Avoid using "claimed first prize" in situations that don't involve a direct competition or contest. Instead, opt for phrases like "achieved success" or "reached the top" when describing general accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "claimed first prize" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of winning a competition or contest. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage in contexts where individuals or teams achieve the top position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "claimed first prize" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate winning a competition or contest. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its suitability for formal and informal writing, especially in news and media contexts. While several alternatives exist, such as "won first place", understanding the nuances of each can help writers select the most appropriate phrase for their specific needs. It's also crucial to avoid using the phrase in non-competitive contexts to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

won first place

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express winning the top position.

secured first position

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of ensuring the top spot.

achieved first rank

This alternative is often used in academic or competitive settings where ranking is important.

took first honors

This alternative emphasizes the prestige and recognition associated with winning.

emerged victorious

This alternative is more dramatic and highlights the overall success in the competition.

carried off the top award

This alternative implies winning a significant and prestigious award.

clinched the first spot

This alternative suggests a decisive and often narrow victory.

earned the gold medal

This alternative is specific to competitions where gold medals are awarded for first place.

topped the leaderboard

This alternative is often used in contexts involving rankings and leaderboards.

triumphed to win

This alternative emphasizes the effort and struggle overcome to achieve victory.

FAQs

What does "claimed first prize" mean?

The phrase "claimed first prize" means to win or achieve the top position in a competition, contest, or other ranked event. It implies that the person or team has successfully outperformed all others to secure the highest honor.

How can I use "claimed first prize" in a sentence?

You can use "claimed first prize" to describe someone who has won a competition, such as, "After a fierce competition, she "claimed first prize" in the annual science fair."

What can I say instead of "claimed first prize"?

You can use alternatives like "won first place", "secured first position", or "achieved first rank" depending on the context.

Is "claimed first prize" formal or informal?

"Claimed first prize" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more neutral tone. It's often used in news reports and official announcements but can also appear in casual conversations about winning competitions.