for a race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a race" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an event or competition involving running, driving, or any other form of racing. Example: "She trained for a race that would take place next month, hoping to achieve her personal best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now we're in for a race.

The New York Times - Sports

He has never been on the colt for a race.

The New York Times - Sports

Evidence for a race to the bottom is pretty patchy.

The Economist

Perhaps they are collectively preparing for a race.

The Guardian

He'll be ready for a race in two weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

"We felt the conditions were good enough for a race.

The New York Times - Sports

The $5 million purse would be the richest for a race restricted to female horses.

The New York Times - Sports

It looked like plumbing for a race of giants from some other world, ancient or future.

The New York Times

Landis, in New Zealand for a race, could not be reached for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

When training for a race, Little typically runs 130 to 140 miles a week.

The New York Times - Sports

He climbs into his boat Victura with his son Patrick and sets off for a race.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a race", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of race being referenced (e.g., running, car racing, etc.) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for a race" when a more specific term is appropriate. Instead of saying "training for a race", specify the type of race: "training for a marathon", for instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a race" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate purpose, destination, or preparation. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a race" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate purpose, preparation, or context related to racing events. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and widely used across various sources, particularly in news, sports, and general informational contexts. While alternatives exist to add nuance or specificity, "for a race" serves as a clear and effective way to connect an action or intention with the event of a race. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the type of race being referenced for optimal understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in preparation for a race

Emphasizes the preparatory actions undertaken before the event.

to compete in a race

Highlights the act of participating in a competitive race.

with the intention of racing

Focuses on the purpose or goal of engaging in a race.

for the purpose of a competition

Replaces "race" with a more general term, "competition".

in anticipation of a race

Highlights the feeling of expectation leading up to a race.

regarding a specific race

Broadens the context to discussions or considerations about a race.

concerning a racing event

Similar to "regarding a specific race" but emphasizes the event aspect.

in the context of racing

Positions something within the general field of racing.

designed for racing purposes

Focuses on the design or intention behind something related to racing.

intended for use in a race

Highlights the designated use of an item within a race.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a race" to describe preparation, purpose, or context related to a competitive event. Example: "He is training hard "for a race" next month".

What are some alternatives to "for a race"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "in preparation "for a competition"", "to compete in a "racing event"", or "with the goal of "racing"".

Is it correct to say "for the race" instead of "for a race"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "For a race" refers to any race in general, while "for the race" refers to a specific race that has already been mentioned or is understood in context.

What's the difference between "training for a race" and "preparing for a race"?

"Training "for a race"" typically refers to the physical and technical preparations, while "preparing "for a race"" can encompass broader aspects, including logistical and mental readiness.