competitive side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competitive side" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "competitive side" when referring to someone's competitive nature or characteristic, or when discussing a team or group's competitive attitude or drive. Example sentence: "His competitive side always came out whenever he played sports." "The team's competitive side was evident in their determination to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She has an extremely competitive side.

The New York Times

Her competitive side was just as visible in the office.

The New York Times - Arts

"But I didn't care about the competitive side of it.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a simple case of her competitive side squashing her artistic one.

The New York Times - Sports

He found wonderful companionship playing bridge, where he showed his competitive side.

The New York Times

"I'm happy, but the competitive side of me is (angry)," he said.

The New York Times

I'd still have a competitive side of me that wanted to play well".

Independent

He said the right things about Scrabble's past and its competitive side.

The New York Times

In "Mad Men," at 10, Don Jon Hammm) reveals his competitive side.

The New York Times

"I'm pretty sure that the competitive side of him would want to come back.

The New York Times - Sports

As the Fringe has grown, so too has its competitive side.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "competitive side" to describe an aspect of someone's personality or a team's dynamic that is driven by a desire to excel and outperform others. It is particularly useful when discussing sports, business, or any field where achievement is measured against others.

Common error

Avoid using "competitive side" when referring to general competence or skill. The phrase specifically implies a drive to be better than others, not just to be good at something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competitive side" functions as a noun phrase describing a specific aspect of someone's personality or a group's characteristic. It highlights the drive to excel and outperform others, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "competitive side" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an individual's or group's drive to excel and outperform others. According to Ludwig, the expression is considered correct. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of ambition and determination. While alternatives like "competitive nature" or "will to win" exist, "competitive side" offers a specific nuance, focusing on the comparative aspect of achievement. Remember to use this phrase when emphasizing the desire to be better than others, not just competent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competitive nature

Focuses on the inherent characteristic of being competitive, rather than a specific aspect.

competitive spirit

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and eagerness associated with competition.

ambitious drive

Highlights the ambition that fuels the competitive behavior.

will to win

Focuses specifically on the desire to achieve victory.

aggressive approach

Describes a more forceful and direct method of competition.

driven mindset

Emphasizes the mental state of being strongly motivated to compete.

zeal for competition

Highlights the intense enthusiasm for competitive activities.

competitive edge

Focuses on the advantage one has over others in a competitive environment.

combative attitude

Suggests a readiness to fight or argue in order to succeed.

rivalrous disposition

Indicates a tendency to engage in rivalry and competition.

FAQs

How can I use "competitive side" in a sentence?

You might say, "Her competitive side drove her to excel in every project she undertook" or "The team's competitive side was evident in their relentless pursuit of victory".

What is an alternative to "competitive side"?

Consider using phrases like "competitive nature", "competitive spirit", or "will to win" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "competitive side"?

Use "competitive side" when you want to emphasize a person's or group's tendency to strive for success by outperforming others, rather than simply achieving a certain standard.

What does it mean to have a "competitive side"?

Having a "competitive side" refers to possessing a strong desire to win or be more successful than others. It often manifests as a strong work ethic, a drive for self-improvement, and a focus on results.