eligible to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eligible to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who meets the necessary criteria or qualifications to participate in a competition or event. Example: "Only athletes who have met the qualifying standards are eligible to compete in the national championships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lee will be eligible to compete again on Friday.

The Guardian - Sport

The decision means the former world champion and Olympic silver medalist is immediately eligible to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

As the six-month bans have already been served, they are now eligible to compete.

The Guardian - Sport

council cut Sotomayor's penalty in half and made him eligible to compete immediately.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've become eligible to compete for our country and they are great role models.

The Guardian - Sport

The companies will still be eligible to compete in open bidding in Iraq.

The New York Times

If she does so, she will be eligible to compete against women.

The New York Times - Sports

The production and performances would be eligible to compete for the 2013 Tonys.

The New York Times

They were also eligible to compete in triennial metropolitan examinations conducted at the national capital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among athletes' privileges is an academic adviser to see that they stay on track to graduate (and eligible to compete).

The New York Times

She was eligible to compete here because her late father, Fred Sanders, was an American, making her a dual citizen.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about eligibility, be specific about the criteria that must be met. For example, instead of simply stating "they are eligible to compete", specify "they are eligible to compete because they meet the age requirements and have passed the qualifying rounds."

Common error

Don't assume that being "eligible to compete" guarantees participation. Eligibility only means meeting the minimum requirements; selection processes or further qualifications may still apply.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eligible to compete" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating that a subject meets the necessary conditions or qualifications to participate in a competition or event. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a widely recognized and accepted expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eligible to compete" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that someone or something meets the requirements to participate in a competition or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from sports and academics to business and politics. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective and carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the criteria for eligibility are clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasings like "qualified to compete" or "entitled to compete" may offer a more nuanced emphasis depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified to compete

Implies having met specific standards or criteria, often related to skill or achievement.

able to compete

Focuses on the capability or capacity to participate, often highlighting the presence of necessary skills or resources.

entitled to compete

Suggests a right or privilege to participate, often based on rules or regulations.

permitted to compete

Indicates that authorization or permission has been granted to participate.

allowed to compete

Similar to "permitted to compete", but can also imply a lack of explicit prohibition.

authorized to compete

Stresses the official nature of the permission or entitlement to participate.

in a position to compete

Highlights the state of readiness or suitability for competition, often emphasizing strategic advantage.

in line to compete

Suggests being next in a sequence or progression to participate in a competition.

slated to compete

Indicates that someone is scheduled or expected to participate in a competition.

eligible to participate

Broader term that applies to various activities, not just competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "eligible to compete" to indicate that someone meets the requirements to participate in a competition. For example, "Only athletes who meet the qualifying standards are "eligible to compete" in the national championships."

What's a more formal way to say "eligible to compete"?

A more formal way to express "eligible to compete" is "qualified to compete". This phrasing emphasizes meeting specific standards or criteria for participation.

What is the difference between ""eligible to compete"" and "allowed to compete"?

"Eligible to compete" means someone meets the necessary requirements, while "allowed to compete" suggests permission has been granted. Eligibility is about meeting criteria, whereas allowance is about receiving authorization.

Are there specific rules that determine who is "eligible to compete" in the Olympics?

Yes, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sets specific eligibility rules, including age limits, nationality requirements, and adherence to anti-doping regulations. These rules determine which athletes are "eligible to compete" in the Games.