closely contested game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely contested game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a game or match where the competition is very tight and both sides have a fair chance of winning. Example: "The championship match was a closely contested game, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

What was expected to be a closely contested game wasn't even all that competitive.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a closely contested game that showcased all of the best elements that our sport has to offer.

The New York Times

The Kremlinology is that Ovechkin can be selfish and sometimes thoughtless and so is a liability in a closely contested game.

The New Yorker

A tired Patrick Ewing had one of his infrequent poor shooting outings Tuesday night against the Pistons, making only one basket in the second half of a closely contested game.

The New York Times - Sports

When UConn, which has been the nation's top-ranked women's team all season, played Boston College five weeks ago, the underdog Eagles led by 3 points at the half before losing a closely contested game, 84-77.

The New York Times - Sports

Dockrell returned six for 29 from 11.4 overs, including a spell of four for none in 10 balls, to turn what had previously been a closely contested game into a romp for the home side.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

One thing is for sure, and it's that the regular season really prepared these kids for playing in closely contested games.

The New York Times

Games were shortened to 60 minutes in 1906, but, not surprisingly, there continued to be timing discrepancies, especially during closely contested games.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think you're going to see closely contested games and the team that has the ability to capitalize on an event, whether good or bad, sometimes those are the difference-makers in the game.

The New York Times

The scoring and shooting efficiency from Denver's bench in 2017-18 were at or above league average, sufficient enough to stay competitive in closely contested games.

Forbes

In a closely contested 24-14 game, these six points were crucial.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely contested game" to describe sporting events, elections, or any situation where the outcome is uncertain due to tight competition. This phrase effectively conveys the intensity and unpredictability of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "closely contested game" when one side clearly dominates. The phrase implies a balanced competition, so it's inaccurate to describe a lopsided victory this way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely contested game" functions as a descriptive phrase, where "closely contested" modifies the noun "game". It describes the nature of the game as one where the competition is tight and the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely contested game" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a competitive event where the outcome is uncertain. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the competition is indeed tight and avoid using it for lopsided victories. Alternatives like ""tightly fought game"" or ""hard-fought match"" can be used for variety, but "closely contested game" effectively conveys the essence of a tight competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tightly fought game

Emphasizes the intensity and effort involved in the competition.

hard-fought match

Highlights the determination and struggle on both sides.

fiercely competitive game

Stresses the intensity and aggressive nature of the competition.

neck-and-neck game

Illustrates that the competitors are very close in the score or performance.

tight game

Shortened version that still conveys the closeness of the competition.

closely matched game

Similar to "evenly matched game" but emphasizes the small differences between competitors.

nail-biting game

Emphasizes the suspenseful and anxiety-inducing nature of the game.

competitive game

General term indicating that the game involves significant competition.

evenly matched game

Focuses on the balanced skill or ability of the competitors.

intense game

Highlights the high level of excitement and engagement in the game.

FAQs

How can I use "closely contested game" in a sentence?

You can use "closely contested game" to describe a sporting event or competition where the outcome is uncertain and both sides are performing at a similar level. For example, "The final match was a "closely contested game", with the lead changing hands several times".

What can I say instead of "closely contested game"?

You can use alternatives like "tightly fought game", "hard-fought match", or "neck-and-neck game" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "closely contested game" in a formal setting?

Yes, "closely contested game" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. It's a commonly understood phrase that accurately describes a competitive situation.

What is the difference between "closely contested game" and "competitive game"?

"Competitive game" is a broader term that simply indicates there is competition involved. "Closely contested game" implies a much tighter competition, where the outcome is very uncertain and the competitors are relatively evenly matched.