head-to-head

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'head-to-head' is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a competition or confrontation between two opponents, especially in sports. For example: "The teams will battle it out in the head-to-head match this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

They're going head-to-head".

The New York Times

Stay tuned for a head-to-head.

The New York Times

A head-to-head comparison.

Nature

Requiring head-to-head comparisons.

Nature

We won head-to-head.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a head-to-head race".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

We can now compete head to head".

The New York Times

Head to head.

The New York Times - Sports

They stand head to head, at loggerheads.

The Washington Post

"Obviously we don't go head to head.

The New York Times - Sports

Head to head in the same month?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "head-to-head" to clearly indicate a direct comparison or competition between two entities. This phrasing effectively communicates the intensity and directness of the confrontation.

Common error

Avoid using "head-to-head" when referring to competitions involving more than two parties. The phrase is specifically designed for binary confrontations; for larger groups, consider using "competitive" or "contesting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head-to-head" functions primarily as an adjective describing a direct competitive situation or comparison. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used in English to denote direct confrontation. Many examples from Ludwig describe a comparison between items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "head-to-head" is an adjective phrase, often used to describe a situation where two entities are in direct competition or comparison. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found across various sources including news, science, and wiki articles. While it's most frequently used in news and media, it's essential to reserve this phrase to describe a binary situation, as misusing it in group contexts would not be correct. Closely related terms include "directly competing" and "one-on-one".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One-on-one

Stresses the individual aspect of competition, especially useful in sports or debates.

Directly competing

Emphasizes the active state of competition between parties, differing from the noun-like sense of "head-to-head".

Competing directly

Similar to 'Directly competing', but with slightly less emphasis on the ongoing nature.

Going toe to toe

An idiomatic alternative, emphasizing close and intense competition.

In direct confrontation

Highlights the adversarial aspect more explicitly than "head-to-head".

Matching up against

Suggests a scheduled or anticipated confrontation.

Face to face

Focuses on the physical aspect of confrontation, suitable when the context involves literal facing.

In opposition

Highlights the contrasting positions rather than the competitive act itself.

Neck and neck

Describes a very close race or competition where the participants are nearly equal.

In head-on collision

Emphasizes the impact and potential conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "head-to-head" in a sentence?

You can use "head-to-head" to describe a direct competition or comparison between two entities. For example, "The teams will compete in a "one-on-one", head-to-head match this weekend."

What does "head-to-head" mean?

The term "head-to-head" signifies a direct confrontation or competition between two individuals or groups. It indicates a situation where two parties are directly pitted against each other.

What are some alternatives to "head-to-head"?

Alternatives to "head-to-head" include "directly competing", "face to face", or "one-on-one", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is "head to head" or "head-to-head" correct?

"Head-to-head" is the correct form, using hyphens to link the words. "Head to head" without hyphens is less common and can be considered incorrect in formal writing, although the meaning may still be understood.