enter a competition

USAGE SUMMARY

'enter a competition' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about taking part in an event in which people compete against each other for a prize or title. For example: "I'm excited to enter a competition for the best home-made cookies in our neighborhood!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Take owning a camel to the competitive level and enter a competition.

WikiHow

If you want the car, you'll have to enter a competition.

The New York Times

The literary editor suggested she enter a competition to write an adventure story.

The Guardian - Books

To enter a competition associated with the film visit Guardian Extra.

The Guardian - Film

"Every month I would enter a competition, three or four fights, every time.

The Guardian - Sport

He saw that to become a writer was to enter a competition.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Adler entered a competition and came third.

The Guardian

The previous year 10 million Thais entered a competition to win a trip to Old Trafford.

The Guardian

Three years ago, he entered a competition to become Partick Thistle's mascot.

The Guardian - Sport

Most people end up being duped into joining these service by entering a competition or similar.

The Guardian - Money

Even so, for some athletes, simply entering a competition can evoke anxiety.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always check the rules and regulations before you "enter a competition". This ensures that your entry meets all requirements and increases your chances of success.

Common error

Avoid using "enter a competition" when referring to non-competitive scenarios. For example, don't say "enter a competition" when you simply mean applying for a job; instead, use phrases like "apply for a position".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enter a competition" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally joining or registering to participate in a competitive event. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enter a competition" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies formally joining a competitive event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with structured competitive events. Alternatives such as "join a contest" or "participate in a competition" can be used for slight variations in formality or emphasis. Remember to check rules and regulations before entering, and avoid using it in non-competitive contexts to maintain clarity. Whether it's sports, academics, or arts, using "enter a competition" correctly ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

join a contest

Replaces "competition" with "contest", a synonym, making it slightly less formal.

participate in a competition

Uses "participate" instead of "enter", emphasizing involvement.

take part in a competition

Replaces "enter" with "take part", a more descriptive way to express involvement.

compete in a tournament

Substitutes "competition" with "tournament", implying a more structured competitive event.

sign up for a competition

Uses "sign up" to emphasize the act of registering for a competition.

enrol in a competition

A more formal version of "sign up", indicating official registration.

put your name down for a competition

Similar to "sign up", but slightly more informal.

be a contestant in a competition

Focuses on the role of being a contestant.

throw your hat in the ring

An idiomatic expression signifying entering a competition or contest.

vie for a prize

Focuses on the act of competing for a reward.

FAQs

What does "enter a competition" mean?

To "enter a competition" means to formally register or sign up to participate in an event where individuals or teams compete for a prize or recognition.

What can I say instead of "enter a competition"?

You can use alternatives like "join a contest", "participate in a competition", or "compete in a tournament" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "enter a competition" or "participate in a competition"?

Both "enter a competition" and "participate in a competition" are correct and usable, but "enter" implies a more formal registration process, while "participate" focuses on the act of taking part.

Can "enter a competition" be used in all contexts?

While generally versatile, "enter a competition" is best suited for scenarios involving structured, competitive events with clear rules and objectives. For less formal activities, consider alternatives like "take part in" or "get involved in".