compete for

USAGE SUMMARY

'compete for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is striving to gain something, such as recognition or a prize. For example, "The contestants will compete for the grand prize of $1,000 dollars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Companies compete for scarce talent.

The Economist

They compete for public services.

The Economist

They compete for grades.

The New York Times

"Kids compete for attention.

The New York Times

Taxis compete for riders.

The New York Times - Arts

Churches compete for congregants.

The New York Times

Increasingly, however, they compete for influence.

Independent

Charity events compete for calendar space.

The New York Times

Professors compete for federal research grants.

The Economist

"Nobody had anything to compete for anymore".

The New York Times

Ajax and Odysseus compete for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compete for", ensure the object being competed for is clearly defined. For example, "Companies compete for market share" is more precise than "Companies compete".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "compete". While "compete for" is correct, other prepositions like "with" or "against" change the meaning. "Compete with" implies direct opposition, not necessarily striving for the same resource.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of striving or vying for something, such as a prize, recognition, or resources. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compete for" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of striving towards a specific goal in a competitive environment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media and Scientific writing. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure clarity regarding the object being competed for and to avoid using incorrect prepositions. Semantically similar alternatives include "vie for" and "strive for". Overall, understanding the nuances of "compete for" will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vie for

Focuses more on the act of striving intensely for something, often in a competitive environment.

contend for

Suggests a more formal and sustained effort in trying to win something.

strive for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in pursuing a goal.

pursue

Highlights the action of following or trying to reach something.

seek

Implies a deliberate search or quest for something desirable.

aim for

Indicates directing effort toward achieving a specific target.

struggle for

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in trying to obtain something.

jockey for position

Conveys the idea of maneuvering to gain an advantage over others.

make a play for

Suggests a strategic attempt to win or obtain something.

battle for

Implies a direct and often intense conflict over something.

FAQs

How can I use "compete for" in a sentence?

Use "compete for" to show that individuals or groups are striving to win or obtain the same thing. For instance, "Students "compete for scholarships"" or "Businesses "compete for customers"".

What's the difference between "compete for" and "compete with"?

"Compete for" means striving to obtain the same thing, while "compete with" indicates being in rivalry or opposition. For example, teams "compete for a title", but they "compete with each other".

What can I say instead of "compete for"?

You can use alternatives such as "vie for", "contend for", or "strive for" depending on the context.

Is "compete for" formal or informal?

"Compete for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.