competitive way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competitive way" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that is done in a competitive manner or with a competitive edge. For example, "The students in the Math Olympiad study in a competitive way in order to be the best in the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In return, though, their services will have to be secured in the usual, competitive way.

The Economist

He didn't do it in a competitive way — he was just a disciplined guy.

The New Yorker

"A great aspect of this is that they have to communicate their projects in a concise, compelling and competitive way".

Independent

There are lots of games that people can play together in a co-operative rather than competitive way.

The Guardian - Tech

Forward thinking RSLs are really looking at business in a competitive way, it's all about customer satisfaction.

The Guardian

I see Buhari working with Nigeria's neighbours Niger, Chad and Cameroon more closely in a less combative or competitive way as it was with Jonathan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The women compare sorrows in an almost competitive way--Ida's great grandmother saw her sister being scalped, but she did not lose courage.

The New Yorker

However, there are simple and financially competitive ways which BRAC can consider to improve the sustainability of the volunteer CHW model as well as the community-based health program where they work.

BMC Health Services Research

Of course there's Britain's Got Talent, but I think we need a more regular platform where people can perform in a non-competitive way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It found that such a group was "unlikely" to flex its muscle in an anti-competitive way in areas such as sports and film rights.

The Guardian - Business

When Kelbaugh started the series, his mission was to create a hub for photographers to share work in a congenial, non-competitive way, and it has since grown into a curated public showcase of emerging and established photographers, with work ranging from photojournalism to fashion, fine art to commercial.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business strategies, use "competitive way" to emphasize efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Common error

Be mindful that "competitive way" implies striving against others. If collaboration is the goal, consider alternatives like "cooperative manner" or "collaborative approach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competitive way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig states, the phrase is usable when something is done in a competitive manner or with a competitive edge. Ludwig's examples show the expression modifies action verbs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "competitive way" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions performed with the intent to outperform others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides real-world examples across varied contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business settings, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives such as "competitive manner" and "competitive approach" exist, the core meaning of striving for excellence remains constant. Use "competitive way" to emphasize the intent of outperforming, but consider the context to avoid misinterpretations, especially when collaboration is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a competitive manner

Changes the noun form while keeping the core meaning intact.

with a competitive approach

Substitutes "way" for "approach", implying a conscious strategy.

in a fiercely competitive fashion

Adds intensity by using "fiercely" and changes "way" to "fashion".

through competitive means

Focuses on the methods used to achieve competitiveness.

in an aggressive manner

Highlights the forceful aspect of competition; more intense.

using a competitive strategy

Emphasizes the planned aspect of competition.

by means of competition

Rephrases to focus on competition as the tool or method.

with competitive spirit

Focuses on the underlying attitude or motivation.

in a cutthroat style

Implies a ruthless approach to competition.

through striving for dominance

Shifts the focus to achieving a superior position.

FAQs

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

You can use "competitive way" to describe how something is done, such as "They need to play a more "competitive way" and they need to scrap" or "Forward thinking RSLs are really looking at business in a "competitive way", it's all about customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "competitive way"?

Alternatives include "competitive manner", "competitive approach", or "aggressive manner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "competitive way" formal or informal?

"Competitive way" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in business and news-related articles, so the level of formality is neutral.

How does "competitive way" differ from "competing way"?

"Competitive way" emphasizes the manner or method of engaging in competition, whereas "competing way" suggests an alternative or rival approach. The first highlights how you compete, while the second highlights that there are different competing methods.