have a race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a race" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of competing in a race, whether it be a physical race or a metaphorical one. Example: "We decided to have a race to see who could finish the marathon first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a race routine.

The New York Times - Magazine

If we have a race here, great.

Independent

Because we have a race next week".

The New York Times

We'll have a race report online shortly.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, it takes two to have a race.

The New York Times - Science

In other words, Mexico might have a race after all.

The New York Times

Four of Iowa's incumbents have a race on their hands.Consider the second district.

The Economist

"The issue is whether it is safe and good to have a race.

Independent

"I'm very hopeful that if we have a race tomorrow, I can regain the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

"Any time you have a race under your belt, it gets you a little tighter.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet the country officially pretends that it doesn't have a race problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a race" to describe the act of engaging in a competitive event, whether it's a physical race or a metaphorical one. For clarity, specify the type of race (e.g., running race, car race).

Common error

Avoid using "have a race" when you intend to describe something other than a competition. For example, don't say "Let's have a race against time" if you simply mean to act quickly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a race" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of engaging in a competitive contest. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

8%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a race" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe participating in a competitive event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intent to compete and consider specifying the type of race for clarity. While versatile, avoid misusing it in non-competitive scenarios where other expressions would be more appropriate. Remember that alternatives like "compete in a race" or "take part in a race" can offer slight variations in emphasis and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete in a race

Focuses on the act of participating in a race as a competitor.

take part in a race

Emphasizes involvement and engagement in the activity of racing.

be in a race

Indicates presence and involvement in an ongoing race.

enter a race

Highlights the initial action of joining a race.

participate in a competition

Broadens the scope to any form of competition, not just races.

run a race

Specifically refers to races involving running.

engage in a contest

Implies active involvement in a competitive situation.

vie in a race

Suggests striving or competing intensely in a race.

hold a race

Shifts the focus to organizing or hosting a race.

challenge in a race

Focuses on the aspect of issuing or accepting a challenge to race.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a race" to describe participating in a competition. For instance, "We decided to "have a race" to the top of the hill".

What are some alternatives to "have a race"?

Alternatives include "compete in a race", "take part in a race", or "participate in a competition", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had a race" instead of "have a race"?

"Had a race" is the past tense of "have a race" and is correct when referring to a race that already occurred. For example, "We "had a race" yesterday, and I won".

What is the difference between "have a race" and "hold a race"?

"Have a race" typically means to participate in a race, while "hold a race" means to organize or host a race. For example, "The city will "hold a race" next month", versus "We will "have a race" to see who is faster".