fend off competition from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fend off competition from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are discussing a situation in which one party is attempting to keep another party from taking away something that they have. For example, "Mary's business was able to fend off competition from larger companies to retain its market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

International banks also have to fend off competition from specialist rivals.

The Economist

They are trying to fend off competition from satellite providers and phone companies, which have poached customers.

The Economist

Indeed, say the authors, multinational firms are more able to fend off competition from low-wage countries.

The Economist

The bargain price is part of the archdiocese's effort to fend off competition from crematories and private cemeteries.

The New York Times

And he will have to fend off competition from a burgeoning number of rivals such as King.com, whose "Candy Crush Saga" is winning rave reviews from gamers.

The Economist

The Bradford-based retailer has struggled to fend off competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl, as well as price-cutting by larger rivals Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Consider Albertson's, the big supermarket chain based in Boise, Idaho, which is having trouble digesting its June 1999 acquisition of American Stores, as well as fending off competition from Wal-Mart.

Forbes

In two of those years he was fending off competition from his own productions.

The Guardian

The American star is fending off competition from Chase & Status, whose Brand New Machine record is at number two, with Haim's Days Are Gone at three.

Independent

Boyhood fended off competition from Foxcatcher, The Imitation Game, Selma and The Theory of Everything to take the best film drama, and best director award for Richard Linklater.

The Guardian - Film

Even as AOL's access service declined, AIM remained the preeminent IM system in the United States, fending off competition from Microsoft, Yahoo, and later, Google.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "fend off" when selecting this phrase. It suggests a defensive posture, so ensure this aligns with the intended message. If the action is more proactive, alternatives like "counter" or "combat" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "fend off competition from" when the action is primarily offensive or aimed at dominating the market. The phrase implies resistance, not proactive market capture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fend off competition from" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action taken to defend against competitive threats. It indicates a reactive measure to protect one's position or interests, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fend off competition from" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes defensive actions taken against rivals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in business and news contexts. When writing, remember that the term implies a defensive posture, and alternative phrases may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired nuance. By understanding its grammatical function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "fend off competition from" to convey strategic actions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ward off competition from

Shares a similar meaning, implying a defensive action to prevent competition from succeeding, but is slightly more formal.

resist competition from

Focuses on the act of opposing or withstanding competitive pressures, suggesting a more direct confrontation.

counter competition from

Emphasizes taking actions to neutralize or offset the effects of competition.

combat competition from

Suggests a more aggressive approach to fighting off competition.

defend against competition from

Highlights the protective aspect of shielding oneself from competitive threats.

protect against competition from

Similar to 'defend against', but emphasizes proactive measures to ensure safety from competition.

shield from competition from

Implies creating a barrier to prevent competition from having an impact.

hold off competition from

Suggests maintaining a position to prevent competition from advancing.

stave off competition from

Implies preventing something negative (competition) from happening or worsening.

repel competition from

Conveys a strong sense of pushing back or driving away competitive forces.

FAQs

How can I use "fend off competition from" in a sentence?

Use "fend off competition from" to describe actions taken to defend against rivals in a market or industry. For example, "The small business needed to innovate to "fend off competition from" larger corporations".

What are some alternatives to "fend off competition from"?

Alternatives include "ward off competition from", "resist competition from", or "counter competition from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "fend off competition from" or "fend off interest from"?

"Fend off competition from" is used when referring to actions taken against rival companies or entities. "Fend off interest from" is used when declining unwanted advances or inquiries. The two have different meanings, so their appropriateness depends on the context.

What does it mean to "fend off competition from"?

To "fend off competition from" means to defend against rival companies or entities that are attempting to gain market share or otherwise undermine one's position. It implies taking defensive measures to protect one's interests.