for a contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a contest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is intended or designed for a competition or contest. Example: "I created this artwork specifically for a contest that celebrates local artists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, first, nobody asked for a contest of the overvotes.

The New York Times

They'd submitted a proposal for a contest the company ran called How Will You GoPro?

The New Yorker

Fair warning, though: if you volunteer for a contest, you may end up busing tables.

The New York Times

The bill also calls for a contest to pick a plate design.

The New York Times

But there is little desire for a contest only 18 months after he replaced Charles Kennedy.

The Economist

The athletes had gathered for a contest called the Pull-Up Jam.

The New York Times

Of course short submissions for a contest don't exactly encourage development.

The New York Times - Arts

But the expenses crisis, if anything, weakens the argument for a contest now.

The Economist

That, too, could provide the basis for a contest by whoever feels aggrieved.

The New York Times

Presumably, the dispute over such ballots could form the basis for a contest.

The New York Times

The 57th minute is a fitting starting point for a contest that never made sense.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a contest", consider the specific type of contest and choose more descriptive language if needed. For example, "for a writing contest" or "for a science contest".

Common error

While "for a contest" is widely understood, overuse in highly formal documents can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms such as "to compete in" or "in preparation for" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a contest" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in specifying the intended use or preparation related to a competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for a contest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the purpose or intent behind an action in relation to a competitive event. According to Ludwig AI, it functions to express preparation, suitability, or intention. While broadly acceptable, in more formal contexts, using stronger or more descriptive alternatives is recommended. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it commonly appears in news and media, wiki sources and academic writing. Remember to be descriptive and clear about what kind of contest you mean.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enter a competition

Focuses on the act of participating in a formal competition.

to participate in a challenge

Emphasizes involvement in a potentially difficult undertaking.

in preparation for a tournament

Highlights the preparatory stage leading up to a structured competition.

with the aim of winning a prize

Specifies the intention of achieving victory and receiving an award.

intending to compete

Highlights the user's goal to participate in the contest.

designed for competition

Emphasizes the purpose or design of something to be used in a competitive environment.

in order to contend

Formal phrasing indicating the intent to struggle or fight for something.

with aspirations of triumph

Emphasizes the hope of victory and success.

geared toward rivalry

Highlights the competitive nature and spirit of rivalry.

in the spirit of competition

Implies participation driven by the principles and ethos of competitive events.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a contest" to specify the purpose of an action, such as "I designed this website "for a contest"" or "They trained rigorously "for a contest"".

What are some alternatives to using "for a contest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to enter a competition", "in preparation "for a tournament"", or "aiming to win a prize".

Is "for a contest" formal or informal?

"For a contest" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "in anticipation of a competition".

Which is correct, "for a contest" or "for the contest"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the context. "For a contest" implies a general contest, while "for the contest" implies a specific, already-defined contest.