contest for

USAGE SUMMARY

"contest for" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a competition for a certain prize or achievement. For example: "He entered the contest for a chance to win a vacation to Hawaii."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take Saturday's contest, for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

About the contest for the N.Y.

The New Yorker

That's a contest for the ages.

The Guardian - Sport

That's what we got this contest for".

The New Yorker

He had done well in a contest for budding entrepreneurs.

The Economist

The contest for the future of the country begins".

Independent

Afterward, there was a whipped-cream contest for couples.

The New Yorker

"The two are in continual contest for control".

The New York Times

In Tirana the contest for mayor was a dead heat.

The Economist

How about a special contest for science students?

The New York Times

She told delegates: "The contest for the leadership is over.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contest for", ensure the context clearly defines what is being competed for, whether it's a tangible prize, a position, or an abstract concept. Clarity avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "contest for" when a simple description or explanation is more appropriate. The phrase should imply active competition, not just a general association or connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contest for" functions as a prepositional phrase that describes a competitive situation. It indicates that individuals or groups are actively vying for a specific prize, position, or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contest for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a competitive scenario. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions to highlight active competition and emphasize the stakes involved. It's appropriate for a variety of writing styles, from neutral news reporting to more formal business contexts. While alternatives like "competition for" and "battle for" exist, "contest for" remains a clear and effective choice, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competition for

Substitutes "contest" with "competition", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

battle for

Replaces "contest" with "battle", implying a more intense and combative competition.

race for

Suggests a competition where speed and progress are key elements.

vie for

A more formal way of saying compete for, often used in news or academic writing.

fight for

Similar to "battle for", but can also imply a struggle beyond just winning a prize.

clash for

Emphasizes the conflict and direct opposition between competitors.

struggle for

Implies a difficult and challenging competition or pursuit.

pursuit of

Shifts the focus from competition to the act of trying to achieve something.

quest for

Suggests a long and arduous journey to achieve a particular goal.

bidding for

Implies an offer or attempt to obtain something, often in a business or auction context.

FAQs

How can I use "contest for" in a sentence?

You can use "contest for" to describe a situation where individuals or groups are competing for something. For example, "The companies are in a "contest for" market dominance."

What's a good alternative to "contest for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "competition for", "battle for", or "race for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "contest for" in formal writing?

Yes, "contest for" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts like news reporting, academic analysis, and business communications. It accurately describes competitive scenarios.

What is the difference between "contest for" and "competition for"?

While very similar, ""contest for"" might imply a more structured or organized event, whereas "competition for" can be broader and encompass less formal scenarios. The terms are often interchangeable, though.