fierce contest

USAGE SUMMARY

"fierce contest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a competition or struggle in which people are determined to win or succeed. For example, "The annual spelling bee was a fierce contest, and the contestants all studied very hard to prepare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Clark is looking forward to what could be a fierce contest.

The New York Times - Sports

A fierce contest refused to subside thereafter, but Stockport held out to claim the spoils.

The Guardian - Sport

But Gove is likely to face a fierce contest from another Brexit-supporting MP.

The Guardian

Ireland creaked in the first half but were competitive in a tight, fierce contest.

The Guardian - Sport

Palm Beach, who looked so assured in the first half, are suddenly drawn into a fierce contest.

The Guardian - Sport

And, on the ground, activists from both sides say the fierce contest is too close to call.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Previous amnesties did not come during fierce contests for power, but only after the dust had settled.

The Economist

And as we've already seen, calls for change may give way, in some cases, to fierce contests for power.

The New York Times

Pat took refuge in playing basketball, and his fierce contests at home against his father were chronicled memorably in The Great Santini.

The Guardian - Books

Milton Keynes remains a bitter loser in these fierce contests, even if the status is purely honorific with no additional powers attached to it.

The Guardian

6 Matt Dawson Carries 7, Turnovers 2, Tackles 2, Success 100%, Pens conceded 1 Helped England gain the initiative after the break, but was forced to hurry by France's fierce contesting of the breakdown.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fierce contest", ensure the context clearly indicates a high level of competition, determination, and possibly intensity or aggression among the participants. Avoid using it for trivial or friendly competitions.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce contest" when describing situations that are collaborative or lack a competitive element. The adjective "fierce" implies a strong, potentially aggressive, competitive drive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce contest" functions as a noun phrase, where "fierce" modifies the noun "contest". It describes a situation characterized by intense competition and determination. Ludwig AI indicates that is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fierce contest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe scenarios marked by intense competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, primarily in news and media. While synonyms like "intense competition" or "heated battle" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember to reserve "fierce contest" for situations with substantial competitive intensity, avoiding its use in friendly or collaborative settings. Its widespread use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability and utility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense competition

Replaces "contest" with "competition", highlighting the competitive aspect.

heated battle

Substitutes both words, conveying a strong sense of conflict and intensity.

vigorous competition

Replaces "fierce" with "vigorous", softening the intensity slightly while retaining the competitive spirit.

stiff competition

Uses "stiff" to describe the level of competition, implying difficulty and challenge.

close race

Focuses on the tightness and uncertainty of the outcome, especially in a competition with a clear finish line.

tough competition

Emphasizes the difficulty and demanding nature of the competitive environment.

bitter rivalry

Highlights the adversarial relationship between competitors, often with negative connotations.

cutthroat competition

Suggests a ruthless and uncompromising approach to winning, often at the expense of others.

dogged struggle

Conveys a persistent and determined effort against strong opposition or adversity.

arduous competition

Highlights the demanding and strenuous nature of the competition, implying significant effort and endurance are required.

FAQs

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

You can use "fierce contest" to describe a situation with strong competition. For example, "The election became a "fierce contest" between the two candidates."

What are some synonyms for "fierce contest"?

Alternatives include "intense competition", "heated battle", or "vigorous competition" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fierce competition" the same as "fierce contest"?

While similar, "fierce competition" generally refers to a broader competitive environment, while ""fierce contest"" often describes a specific competitive event or situation.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "fierce contest"?

It is inappropriate to use ""fierce contest"" when describing friendly games or collaborative efforts where intense rivalry or aggression is absent. A more suitable phrase would be a "friendly game" or a "collaborative project".