contest proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contest proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or official part of a contest, distinguishing it from other related activities or events. Example: "The rules for the contest proper will be announced next week, so make sure to prepare accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That said, the involvement of either in the contest proper would bring some valuable London perspective and experience to the debate.

The Guardian

Despite never being a politician, he has fought his way into the contest proper with six CLP nominations thanks to a exceptional grassroots campaign, getting around the capital mostly by bicycle to address dozens of local activist meetings.

The Guardian

Before they got into the contest proper, they had a lot of weightlifters do their stuff, among them Edith Roeder, the woman-champion, who groaned and strained over a bar bell.

The New Yorker

Nominations can be made from June 1, the contest proper will commence on July 8 and the winner will be announced on September 2. Candidates to be put on the assembly member "party list", elected by a complex form of proportional representation, will emerge from the same timetable.

The Guardian

Something very strange happened on the last day before the contest proper started: Several MPs added their names to the list nominating Corbyn for leader, despite openly admitting that they had no intention of voting for him and no desire to see him win.

Vice

Something very strange happened on the last day before the contest proper started: several MPs added their names to the list nominating Corbyn for leader, despite openly admitting that they had no intention of voting for him and no desire to see him win.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

There could be paintballing wars and mead-quaffing contests and proper regional television again.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're after a proper contest.

Independent

Mr Bertinotti wants a proper contest.

The Economist

But in those constituencies where there was a proper contest, the turnout was significantly higher.

Independent

Both sides have got to want to scrummage and make a proper contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contest proper", ensure the context is clear and the reader understands which preliminary activities or surrounding events are being differentiated from the main contest.

Common error

Avoid using "contest proper" interchangeably with general terms like "competition" or "tournament". "Contest proper" specifically refers to the main stage of an event, not the entire event including its qualifiers or associated activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contest proper" functions as a noun phrase, specifying the central or main part of a competition or election. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is used to distinguish this main part from related or preliminary activities. It defines a specific stage within a larger event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contest proper" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to specifically denote the main or official part of a competition or election. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly to differentiate the main event from preliminary rounds or related activities. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. Although not exceedingly common, using "contest proper" can provide clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

election proper

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but applies specifically to elections.

tournament proper

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but applies specifically to tournaments.

actual contest

Emphasizes the reality or genuineness of the competition.

main competition

Highlights the central or most important part of the competition.

primary contest

Focuses on the principal or foremost contest.

official contest

Stresses the authorized or sanctioned nature of the contest.

core contest

Emphasizes the essential or fundamental aspect of the competition.

formal competition

Highlights the structured and regulated nature of the competition.

qualifying rounds

Indicates the rounds before the contest's main event.

championship round

Specifies the final or deciding round of a competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "contest proper" to refer to the main or official part of a competition, distinguishing it from preliminary rounds or related activities. For example: "The rules for the "contest proper" will be announced next week, so make sure to prepare accordingly."

What's a synonym for "contest proper"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "main competition", "actual contest", or "official contest".

What does "contest proper" exclude?

"Contest proper" typically excludes preliminary rounds, qualifying events, or any activities surrounding the main competition.

Is it correct to use "contest proper" in formal writing?

Yes, "contest proper" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to clearly differentiate the main competition from related events.