compete for office

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compete for office" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals or groups running for a political position or role within an organization. Example: "Several candidates will compete for office in the upcoming election, each presenting their vision for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But the former governor has every right to compete for office, and he'll be going all in.

The New Yorker

In St Helier, Jersey's capital, they compete for office space with more than two dozen law firms, 50 accountancy outfits and 20 insurance companies.Jersey's transformation into an OFC was not part of a grand plan.

The Economist

Usually only two fairly evenly matched parties may successfully compete for office in a single-member district, and a third party suffers recurring defeat unless it can swallow up one of the other parties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They have relaxed media censorship, legalized the right to unionize, and allowed members of the main opposition party to compete for office; they have also distanced themselves from Burma's longtime patron, China.

The New Yorker

The US is a pluto-democracy - a democracy in which the rich and powerful compete for office, and the 'transition' to office, not to say office itself, sees a lot of campaign debts being honoured.

The Guardian - Business

City officials have said that one of their top economic-development priorities is to create a central business district in Long Island City that can compete for office space with New Jersey.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some of the liberals competing for office were, amazingly for Iran, seen wearing a tie that symbol of western decadence in their campaign posters.

The Economist

Empire Blue Cross, like many of the other companies in the twin towers, is competing for office space in Midtown, where rents are $45 a square foot or more, for the little that is available.

The New York Times

"Normal" would have to mean organising political competition not around personality and pork but the policy choices of two main parties competing for office.The LDP's defeat in last August's general election appeared to vindicate Mr Ozawa in spades.

The Economist

To challenge the status quo so that future generations of girls can feel comfortable competing for office in equal measure, perhaps the west should look to countries that have been more welcoming to female heads of government such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica.

The Guardian - Opinion

We first relax the assumption of three candidates competing for office and analyze a scenario with, exclusively, two office-motivated candidates.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compete for office", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific type of office being sought, such as a political position, a role within an organization, or a leadership position in a club.

Common error

Avoid using "compete for office" without specifying the type of office. For example, instead of saying "Several people compete for office", specify "Several candidates are competing for the position of mayor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete for office" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of candidates vying for a specific position. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct phrase. The examples provided showcase its use in various political and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compete for office" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered phrase used to describe the action of candidates vying for an elected or appointed position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples of its use in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, appearing mostly in news and media, it is important to be precise about the type of office being competed for. Alternatives such as "run for a position" or "seek elected office" may be more suitable depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run for a position

Focuses on the act of running, highlighting the process of campaigning.

seek elected office

Emphasizes the desire to attain an elected role.

vie for a seat

Highlights the competitive nature of trying to win a specific seat or position.

contend for public office

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the public nature of the role.

campaign for election

Focuses on the campaigning aspect of seeking office.

bid for political power

Highlights the pursuit of political influence through office.

challenge for a leadership role

Broadens the context beyond just political offices.

stand as a candidate

Focuses on the act of presenting oneself as a candidate.

aspire to public service

Highlights the motivation of serving the public through office.

enter the political arena

Focuses on the entry into the world of politics for a specific office.

FAQs

What does "compete for office" mean?

The phrase "compete for office" refers to the act of actively trying to win an election or appointment to a specific position, typically within a government, organization, or institution. It involves campaigning, presenting qualifications, and vying against other candidates.

What are some alternatives to "compete for office"?

You can use alternatives such as "run for a position", "seek elected office", or "vie for a seat" depending on the context.

How do I use "compete for office" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Several candidates will "compete for office" in the upcoming election, each presenting their vision for the future."

Is it better to say "compete for office" or "run for office"?

Both "compete for office" and "run for office" are correct. "Run for office" is generally more common and informal, while "compete for office" may sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.