determination to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determination to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's resolve or commitment to engage in competition, whether in sports, business, or other contexts. Example: "Her determination to compete in the championship was evident in her rigorous training schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Early on, she had openly voiced her determination to compete for the top spot with Lachlan.

The New York Times

Her initial interest developed into a strong enthusiasm and determination to compete.

The Guardian - Sport

"The big thing I learned from Gary is the determination to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

Her determination to compete, however, made her a star basketball player and sprinter during high school in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're dangerous and it takes a lot of effort and determination to compete with them for 80 minutes".

Independent

Lady Grey-Thompson has spoken out against comments made by snooker veteran Steve Davis that women lack the "single-minded determination" to compete in the world snooker championship.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

However, the banks' stated determination not to compete too aggressively with private-equity clients this time around may not help their cause with the regulators.

The Economist

We showed a real determination in defence to compete for ball and we got a few turnovers in the first half.

BBC

"Her progress will be monitored on a day to day basis as is standard with concussion and a determination regarding her ability to compete will be made later this week".

The Guardian - Sport

As Mr. Romney has delayed his determination of how extensively to compete in Iowa, several leading Republicans have sought out other candidates.

The New York Times

"Her progress will be monitored on a day to day basis as is standard with concussion and a determination regarding her ability to compete will be made later this week," said a Team GB statement.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's character, use "determination to compete" to highlight their proactive and persistent nature, suggesting they don't back down from challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "determination to compete" when describing simple participation or mild interest; reserve it for scenarios involving significant effort, resolve, or high stakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determination to compete" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a quality or attribute, specifically the resolve or firm decision to engage in competition, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determination to compete" effectively conveys a firm resolve to participate and strive for success in competitive settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Appearing frequently in news and media, it is suitable for neutral to professional contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether you want to emphasize effort and commitment rather than a mere inclination. Alternatives such as "competitive spirit" or "will to win" offer slightly different shades of meaning, focusing more on inherent traits or the desire for victory, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drive to compete

Emphasizes internal motivation rather than steadfast resolve.

competitive spirit

Focuses on the inherent attitude rather than the deliberate resolve.

commitment to contend

Uses more formal synonyms for both 'determination' and 'compete'.

resolve to vie

Replaces common words with more formal synonyms, changing the register.

ambition to challenge

Highlights aspiration and confrontation rather than sheer determination.

eagerness to participate

Shifts focus to willingness and enthusiasm, diluting the aspect of resolve.

competitive urge

Highlights the impulsive feeling instead of planned resolution.

tenacity in competition

Focuses on perseverance during the act of competing, not the initial resolve.

will to win

Focuses solely on the desire for victory, omitting the act of competing itself.

fierce rivalry

It focuses on competitive relationship more than individual desire to participate.

FAQs

How can I use "determination to compete" in a sentence?

You can use "determination to compete" to describe someone's strong will to participate and strive for success in a competitive environment. For example, "Her determination to compete fueled her rigorous training schedule."

What is a good alternative to "determination to compete"?

Alternatives include "competitive spirit", "drive to compete", or "will to win", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "determination to compete" or "desire to compete"?

"Determination to compete" emphasizes resolve and persistence, while "desire to compete" simply indicates a wish or longing. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight effort and commitment versus simple inclination.

What does "determination to compete" imply?

The phrase "determination to compete" suggests a strong, unwavering commitment to engage in a contest or competition and to strive for success, often in the face of challenges or obstacles.