competed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competed with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rivalry or competition between entities, such as individuals, teams, or companies. Example: "The two companies competed with each other for market dominance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Catcalls competed with the blaring sirens.

The New York Times

She never competed with his professional work.

The New Yorker

competed with "Yes, we can".

The New York Times

-- cricket that competed with a guest soloist.

The New York Times

In showiness it competed with Primula suffrutescens.

University of California, Berkeley

East competed with three diamonds of course.

The New York Times

Exposed midriffs competed with bare thighs.

The Guardian - Music

Countries competed with each other on tariffs.

Cornell University

And you competed with each other?

The Guardian - Sport

I've competed with companies around the world.

The New York Times

Usually these two processes competed with each other.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competed with", ensure the context clearly indicates what the entities are competing for or in what aspect they are being compared. For example, "The two companies competed with each other for market share."

Common error

While "competed with" is generally correct, avoid using "compete against" when the emphasis is on direct comparison or rivalry. "Compete against" is acceptable, but "competed with" is often more precise when showing a comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competed with" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of rivalry or opposition. It describes a situation where two or more entities are striving against each other to achieve a goal. This is validated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "competed with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating rivalry or opposition between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across a spectrum of contexts, from formal academic papers to everyday news reports. The phrase primarily functions as a verb phrase and serves to highlight the competitive nature of the relationship between subjects. When using "competed with", clarity is key: ensure the context specifies what the competition entails. While alternatives like "contended with" or "rivaled" exist, "competed with" is a versatile and generally correct choice. A key takeaway is to avoid the construction "compete against" because is less precise in several contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contended with

Replaces "competed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing a striving effort.

challenged

Focuses on the act of posing a threat or difficulty, highlighting a test of strength or ability.

vied with

Implies a strong desire to win or achieve something, suggesting intense rivalry.

rivaled

Emphasizes the aspect of being in competition to achieve same goal.

opposed

Indicates resistance or antagonism, focusing on direct conflict or disagreement.

went up against

A more casual way of saying competed, generally used in informal settings.

locked horns with

Suggests a direct and often heated confrontation, highlighting the intensity of the competition.

measured up against

Focuses on comparison and assessment of abilities or qualities.

pitched against

Implies a setup where two entities are directly opposed to each other.

battled with

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in competition, suggesting a determined fight.

FAQs

How can I use "competed with" in a sentence?

You can use "competed with" to show rivalry or comparison. For instance, "Our company "competed with" larger corporations in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "competed with"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "contended with", "rivaled", or "challenged".

Is there a subtle difference between "competed with" and "competed against"?

While both are acceptable, "competed with" often implies a mutual engagement in the same activity, whereas "competed against" might emphasize a more direct opposition.

When is it best to use "competed with" versus a simpler word like "challenged"?

"Competed with" is useful when describing ongoing or sustained competition. Use "challenged" when focusing on a single instance of being contested or opposed.