competing against someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competing against someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing rivalry or competition between individuals or teams in various fields, such as sports, business, or academics. Example: "In the final match, she found herself competing against someone she had admired for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

JEFFREY MARCUS A. It's not a need for competition or competing against someone else.

The New York Times - Sports

But the remark also revealed the frustration that players feel when competing against someone who has been so dominant.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether he is employed in a furniture company or a hospital, the American data-processor will be competing against someone from Bangalore.

The Economist

It can be a little awkward competing against someone you know, but in the end it's about exposure to international artistic directors.

The Guardian

Critics argue that the guarantors have an undisclosed interest in the outcome and an unseen advantage over other bidders because a buyer who wants the work might wind up competing against someone who only wants to bid up the price.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Perry and Mr. Romney are also competing against someone who is not even officially in the race: Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who is the target of an intense lobbying campaign by some of the party's most sought-after donors and party elders to join the field.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I'm glad I'm here to compete against someone next door," Mr. Nicolais, the White Plains owner, said.

The New York Times

How, in that world, can someone who is not on performance-enhancing drugs be expected to compete against someone who is?

Independent

"They said there was no way I could compete against someone who could spend $65 million of their own personal fortune in order to buy a Senate seat.

The New York Times

Regardless of what a school's admissions department says, it is hard to compete against someone with similar experience who speaks fluent Cantonese or Mandarin, particularly if the candidate is also a local.

The Economist

"It is not right to compete against someone who has had 400 runs when you've only had 30, because to the athlete each run slows the process down in your head and your reactions get quicker," she told the Daily Mail.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competing against someone" when you want to emphasize direct opposition. This phrase works well in sports, business, or even personal scenarios where individuals are directly contesting with one another.

Common error

Ensure you clearly specify who the person or entity is when using the phrase. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competing against someone" functions as a verb phrase expressing an action (competing) directed towards a specific individual. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competing against someone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote rivalry or opposition between individuals or groups. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "in competition with someone" or "contending with someone" exist, the original phrase effectively communicates direct opposition. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the involved parties to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both professional and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in competition with someone

Emphasizes the state of being in a competitive situation, rather than the act of competing.

rivaling someone

Highlights the aspect of rivalry and potential animosity.

contending with someone

Focuses on the struggle or effort involved in the competition.

challenging someone

Emphasizes the act of presenting a challenge or obstacle.

going head-to-head with someone

Implies a direct and intense confrontation.

facing off against someone

Similar to going head-to-head, but with a stronger sense of opposition.

locked in a battle with someone

Suggests a prolonged and difficult struggle.

battling someone

Highlights the struggle and intensity of the competition.

dueling with someone

Implies a one-on-one contest, often with a formal or ritualistic element.

opposing someone

Focuses on the act of being in opposition to someone's goals or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "competing against someone" in a sentence?

You can use "competing against someone" to describe situations where individuals or groups are in direct opposition, such as "In the tournament, she was "competing against someone" with years of experience".

What are some alternatives to "competing against someone"?

Alternatives include "in competition with someone", "rivaling someone", or "contending with someone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "competing against someone"?

Yes, "competing against someone" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe direct opposition or rivalry.

What's the difference between "competing against someone" and "competing with someone"?

"Competing against someone" implies a more direct and possibly adversarial relationship, while "competing with someone" can suggest a less intense or more cooperative form of competition. For instance, two companies might be competing with each other in the market, but only directly "competing against someone" during specific negotiations.