compete for a contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compete for a contract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of bidding or vying for a business agreement or project. Example: "Several companies will compete for a contract to provide IT services to the government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Contestants compete for a contract with "One of the fastest growing beauty retailers in the country – Ulta Beauty!" Who? Exactly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We know that some office supply companies and computer firms, for example, are including their social responsibility profile when they compete for a contract.

The Washington Post

NBC Universal in New York entered the outdoor advertising business yesterday by forming a venture with JCDecaux in Paris to compete for a contract to provide and maintain street furniture, including bus shelters and newsstands, for New York City.

The New York Times

Two transatlantic teams one consisting of Lockheed Martin, BAe, General Dynamics and Vickers, the other of GEC, Texas Instruments, GKN and United Defence will compete for a contract worth about $5 billion.Then there is the Joint Strike Fighter, which the Pentagon estimates will cost $210 billion.

The Economist

The 29-year-old star - who owns clothing and accessories brands Winter Kate and House of Harlow - will join model Elle Macpherson and singer-turned-designer Jessica Simpson on the TV show, which sees aspiring designers compete for a contract to have their prodcuts sold in retailers in the US.

Independent

"Currently space travel costs millions of dollars per person, but eventually it will be in the thousands," says John Curry, director of systems engineering for Sierra Nevada, which is developing the Dream Chaser, an orbital transport vehicle to compete for a contract to ferry Nasa astronauts to the ISS.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Now I have three different companies competing for a contract".

The Economist

They were what was then the McDonnell Douglas Corporation and the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and they were competing for a contract to sell fighter jets to the Chilean Air Force.

The New York Times - Arts

Although G.M. was competing for a contract, Stratford said, "I raised the incident and made it clear the problem had to be solved".

The New York Times - Magazine

Thus, for example, an old-style feud between hard-line Communists and dissidents entwines with a new-style feud between ad representatives from rival newspapers competing for a contract from a furniture outlet.

The New York Times - Books

In her complaint, she says that she sought money from companies that were competing for a contract for intravenous catheters, then awarded the contract to the one that gave her a check for $100,000, Becton Dickinson.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compete for a contract", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being offered or sought as part of the contract. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid replacing "compete for a contract" with overly technical or industry-specific terms that may not be widely understood, especially when writing for a general audience. Clear and simple language is often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete for a contract" functions as a verb phrase indicating participation in a competitive process to win a business agreement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compete for a contract" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe participating in a process where multiple parties vie for a business agreement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and can be used to discuss the act of bidding or vying for a project. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while not as common as other phrases, it is appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Alternative expressions include "bid for a contract" and "vie for a contract", each with slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and avoid replacing it with overly technical jargon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bid for a contract

Focuses on the act of submitting an offer or proposal.

Tender for a contract

Implies a formal submission of a proposal in response to an invitation.

Vie for a contract

Emphasizes the rivalry and competitive effort involved.

Compete to secure a contract

Highlights the aim of successfully obtaining the contract through competition.

Contend for a contract

Suggests striving or battling for the contract.

Pursue a contract

Emphasizes the effort and determination in trying to win the contract.

Seek a contract

Indicates the act of looking for and trying to obtain a contract.

Strive for a contract

Highlights the dedicated effort and ambition to gain the contract.

Challenge for a contract

Implies confronting other contenders in an attempt to win the contract.

Battle for a contract

Suggests a fierce and intense competition for the contract.

FAQs

What does "compete for a contract" mean?

The phrase "compete for a contract" means to participate in a process where multiple parties vie to be chosen to fulfill the terms of a business agreement or project. It involves demonstrating superior capabilities, pricing, or other factors to win the contract.

What are some alternatives to "compete for a contract"?

You can use alternatives like "bid for a contract", "vie for a contract", or "tender for a contract" depending on the specific context and the formality required.

How do you use "compete for a contract" in a sentence?

Example: "Several companies will "compete for a contract" to provide IT services to the government."

Is it better to say "compete for a contract" or "bid on a contract"?

Both "compete for a contract" and "bid on a contract" are acceptable, but they have slightly different connotations. "Bid on a contract" specifically refers to the act of submitting a financial offer, while "compete for a contract" encompasses a broader range of competitive actions, including demonstrating capabilities and building relationships.