in contests of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in contests of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing competitions or challenges in various fields, such as sports, academics, or any competitive scenario. Example: "In contests of skill, the best performers often rise to the top."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Elsewhere, adroitness of thumb has even manifested itself in contests of opposable dexterity.

The New York Times - Tech

Stags, rams, and bulls use antlers or horns in contests of strength; a winning male usually secures more female mates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With F. Lee Bailey as his lawyer, Dr. Gerard was acquitted of two felony counts but found guilty of "fraudulent entries and practices in contests of speed," a misdemeanor.

The New York Times

At this annual event government officials engaged in contests of skill with the spear, bow and arrow, and matchlock musket — a case of Buddhism's war of art running parallel to the art of war.

The New York Times - Arts

"Only when everyone plays by the same rules can we avoid the mistakes of the past, like when countries challenged one another in contests of strength and will, with disastrous consequences for the region," Carter said.

The Guardian

The author gave little attention to constitutional history or battles but recorded the dates of the establishment of festivals, of the introduction of various kinds of poetry, of the births and deaths of the poets, and of their victories in contests of poetic skill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Topics provide a manual for participants in the contests of dialectical argument as instituted in the Academy by Plato.

SEP

We are oddly reluctant even to name them as opponents – often the only opponents – in political contests of this kind.

The Guardian

A federal statute prohibits those involved in televised contests of "intellectual knowledge, intellectual skill, or chance" from rigging the outcome.

The New York Times

We study how aggregate effort exerted in contests between groups of heterogeneous players depends on the sorting of players into groups.

Games and Economic Behavior

Ze Frank viewers leave hundreds of comments, participate in contests, send in clips of themselves and donate money.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contests of" to specifically highlight competitive scenarios where skill, strength, or ability are being tested. This phrase works well when introducing a comparison or evaluation within a defined competition.

Common error

Avoid using "in contests of" when simply describing differences or variations without a direct competitive element. Opt for phrases like "in terms of" or "regarding" for non-competitive comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contests of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specific domain or area where competition or comparison is taking place. It sets the context for evaluating or judging something based on a competitive standard, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in contests of" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a competitive context, setting the stage for comparisons and evaluations. While grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is uncommon. It is most often found in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves a competitive element, as overuse in non-competitive scenarios can be a common error. Related phrases include "in competitions of" and "in challenges involving", offering similar but slightly nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in competitions of

Replaces "contests" with the synonym "competitions", maintaining the same prepositional structure and meaning.

in challenges involving

Shifts the focus to "challenges" and specifies they "involve" something, altering the grammatical structure slightly.

in rivalries between

Uses "rivalries" to emphasize ongoing competition, changing the focus to the relationship between competitors.

in battles of

Replaces "contests" with "battles", suggesting a more intense or adversarial form of competition.

when measuring

Focuses on the act of "measuring" different aspects, suitable when comparing quantifiable attributes.

in assessing

Highlights the act of "assessing" skills or abilities, relevant when evaluating performance.

when evaluating

Highlights the act of "evaluating" different aspects, suitable when assessing qualities or performance.

during examinations of

Focuses on formal "examinations", changing the context to more structured assessments.

in comparative studies of

Introduces a scientific or analytical framing, suited for formal comparisons in research contexts.

in instances of

Shifts to considering individual "instances" where competition occurs, changing the perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "in contests of" in a sentence?

Use "in contests of" to introduce a specific competitive scenario. For example, "In contests of strength, the strongest competitor usually prevails."

What are some alternatives to "in contests of"?

You can use phrases like "in competitions of", "in challenges involving", or "in rivalries between" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in contests of" in formal writing?

Yes, "in contests of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing competitive scenarios in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "in contests of" and "in terms of"?

"In contests of" specifically refers to competitive situations, while "in terms of" is a broader phrase used for making comparisons or describing aspects without implying competition.