competing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "competing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing competition or rivalry between two or more people or entities. For example, "The two companies are competing to be the first to release the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was difficult to continue with competing but I tried to carry on".

The Guardian

David Cameron will doubtless depart from his political career next month with the bare minimum of a few lucrative company directorships and a kiss-and-tell book deal, so long as that police horse, Raisa and the lamb he cuddled at Easter can be persuaded to ditch their own competing publications, both currently being ghostwritten from audiotapes by the Financial Times's Ben Thompson.

The Guardian - Opinion

How different this year's table looks, with only seven points dividing first from eighth and only one of last year's glory-seekers competing again.

The Guardian - Sport

But there are also two competing versions of French history at work here.

The Guardian

We moved house in February, but with training and competing we haven't really got round to doing anything.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Friday morning, a few hundred fans and journalists braved the freezing cold to attend a draw party at Sporting Park, Kansas City, site of Saturday's MLS Cup final, for a watch party also attended by several US national team members, including Clint Dempsey and Omar Gonzalez, as well as internationals from the competing MLS Cup finalists Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.

The Guardian - Sport

The more extensions of the iPhone Apple can add to a user's life, the harder it will be to move away from Apple's iPhone and its software and music ecosystem, adding yet more inertia against switching to competing platforms like Google's Android or Microsoft's Windows Phone.

The Guardian - Tech

"Thibaut was always competing with him," says Gitte. "Koen was selected for the national teams, and Thibaut wasn't.

The Guardian - Sport

"What I don't like about Cannes is the competition, the competing with each other, having to defend yourself," says Trintignant.

The Guardian - Film

"Triathlon has been a huge part of my life and I will in some way always be connected to it, however now it feels right to explore life outside of only competing".

The Guardian - Sport

As the general election approaches, leadership and management within the NHS will come under scrutiny with politicians competing to criticise unnecessary bureaucracy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competing", ensure that the context clearly defines what entities are involved and what they are competing for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "competing" without specifying who or what is competing. For example, instead of saying "The market is competing", specify "Several companies are competing in the market" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "competing" is as a present participle or gerund. It can act as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "they are competing") or as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "competing companies"). Ludwig provides numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Travel

2%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competing" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, denoting active engagement in a contest or rivalry. It enjoys widespread usage across various registers, particularly in news and media, sport, and business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily applicable in both formal and informal settings. To maximize clarity, specify which participants are in competition. Consider using alternatives such as "vying for position" or "contending with" for varied expression. By ensuring contextual clarity and diversifying phrase choices, you can effectively convey the nuances of competition in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in competition

Replaces the present participle with a prepositional phrase emphasizing the state of competition.

vying for position

Emphasizes the struggle for a better ranking or advantage.

contending with

Highlights the act of struggling or dealing with opposing forces.

challenging each other

Focuses on the direct interaction and confrontation between rivals.

locked in battle

Conveys a sense of intense conflict and struggle.

striving against

Emphasizes the effort and ambition in overcoming obstacles.

fighting for supremacy

Highlights the goal of achieving dominance or superiority.

in a contest

Uses a more general term to describe the competitive situation.

locked in a struggle

Focuses on difficulty and effort that competition implies.

endeavoring to win

Emphasizes the intent and determination to achieve victory.

FAQs

How can I use "competing" in a sentence?

You can use "competing" to describe entities engaged in rivalry or striving for the same goal. For example, "Several companies are "competing" for market share".

What are some alternatives to using "competing"?

Alternatives to "competing" include phrases like "vying for position", "contending with", or "challenging each other", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "competing each other"?

No, "competing each other" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "challenging each other" or "competing with each other".

What's the difference between "competing" and "competitive"?

"Competing" describes the action of engaging in competition, while "competitive" describes the nature or intensity of the competition itself. For example, "Those are "competing" companies in a competitive market".