close race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close race" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a competition or contest where the outcome is uncertain and the participants are very evenly matched. Example: "The election was a close race, with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pundits predict a close race.

The Economist

That it's a close race.

The New York Times

It is a close race.

The New York Times

It could be a close race.

The Economist

(Mr. Sestak lost in a close race).

The New York Times

It was a close race.

The New York Times

It's still a close race.

The Guardian

It's a close race nationally".

The New York Times

"It remains a close race.

The Guardian

It promises to be a close race.

The Guardian

"But, folks, it's a close race.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "close race", provide specific details to illustrate the intensity of the competition. Use statistics, anecdotes, or quotes to emphasize the narrow margin separating the competitors.

Common error

Avoid generic descriptions when portraying a "close race". Instead of stating the obvious, focus on the unique aspects of the competition. For instance, instead of stating that "everyone was a winner," describe the real context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close race" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "close" modifies "race". It describes the nature of the competition or contest. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close race" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a competition with an uncertain outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used in contexts like elections, sports, and business, primarily within news and media. When writing, consider using specific details to emphasize the intensity. To avoid clichés, concentrate on distinctive elements. Alternatives like "tight contest" or "neck and neck competition" can add variety. In short, "close race" is versatile, but thoughtful usage enhances its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neck and neck competition

Emphasizes the closeness of competitors, suggesting they are nearly equal.

tight contest

Highlights the intensity and small margin separating competitors.

nip and tuck battle

Suggests a back-and-forth struggle where the lead changes frequently.

photo finish

Implies the race was so close that a photograph was needed to determine the winner.

narrow margin

Focuses on the small difference between the leading competitor and the rest.

razor-edge victory

Highlights how thin the winning margin was, suggesting a precarious win.

hard-fought battle

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in a close competition.

dead heat

Indicates that two or more competitors finished at exactly the same time.

competitive field

Describes a situation where many participants have a reasonable chance of winning.

evenly matched

Suggests the participants are of similar skill level, leading to a closely contested event.

FAQs

How can I use "close race" in a sentence?

You can use "close race" to describe a competition where the outcome is uncertain and the competitors are evenly matched. For example: "The election was a "close race", with only a few votes separating the candidates."

What are some alternatives to "close race"?

You can use alternatives like "tight contest", "neck and neck competition", or "competitive field" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "close race" in formal writing?

Yes, "close race" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports and analytical pieces. However, consider using more precise language depending on your intended audience. For example, "narrow margin" or "razor-edge victory".

What makes a race qualify as a "close race"?

A race qualifies as a "close race" when the competitors are performing at a similar level, making it difficult to predict the winner until the very end. This can be determined by looking at polling data, past performance, and other relevant factors. See also alternatives like "evenly matched" and "nip and tuck battle".