competing against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competing against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing rivalry or competition between individuals, teams, or entities in various contexts, such as sports, business, or academics. Example: "The two companies are competing against each other for market dominance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Technology competing against technology.

Independent

"I'm never competing against anyone".

The New York Times - Sports

You're competing against them.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're not competing against each other.

The New Yorker

"We're competing against the big guys".

The New York Times

The networks are competing against each other.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

competed against undisclosed agencies.

The New York Times

They must compete against subsidised European stuff.

The Economist

I want to compete against them".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to compete against the best.

The New York Times - Sports

Can't compete against Harry Potter?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competing against", clearly identify both the subject and the object of the competition to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Our company is competing against larger corporations in the market."

Common error

Avoid using "competing against" with reflexive pronouns when the intention is to convey personal improvement rather than direct competition with another entity. Instead of saying, "He is competing against himself", it's better to say "He is competing with himself" or "He's striving for personal improvement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competing against" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating opposition or rivalry. It typically modifies a verb, specifying who or what is being opposed in a competitive context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competing against" is a versatile and widely used phrase indicating rivalry or opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discourse. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating both competitors. While "competing against" denotes direct opposition, alternatives like "rivaling" or "contending with" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. Remember to avoid reflexive pronouns unless referring to genuine self-competition. With its frequent usage and broad applicability, mastering the use of "competing against" enhances clarity and precision in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rivaling

Direct synonym emphasizing the act of being a rival.

contending with

Implies striving or struggling in opposition.

challenging

Focuses on presenting a challenge or obstacle.

in competition with

Formal way of stating involvement in a competitive situation.

going head-to-head with

Emphasizes a direct confrontation or contest.

battling

Suggests a more intense and prolonged struggle.

vying for

Highlights the act of striving for the same goal.

opposing

Focuses on the act of being in opposition.

matching up against

Implies a comparison or pairing in a competition.

taking on

Suggests accepting a challenge or opponent.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "competing against"?

You can use alternatives like "rivaling", "contending with", or "challenging" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "competing against each other"?

Yes, "competing against each other" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize mutual competition between multiple parties. For example, "The teams are "competing against" each other for the championship".

What is the difference between "competing against" and "competing with"?

"Competing against" typically implies a direct rivalry where one party aims to outperform or defeat the other. "Competing with" can suggest a broader sense of vying for the same resources or opportunities. While similar, "competing against" often has a more adversarial tone.

How do I use "competing against" in a sentence?

Use "competing against" to show a rivalry or direct competition, like: "The startup is "competing against" established brands in the industry". Ensure both competitors are clearly identified in your sentence.