in rivalry with

USAGE SUMMARY

"in rivalry with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express competition, or a feeling of opposition, between two or more people or groups. For example: "The two teams met in the tournament, in rivalry with one another for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It suffered damage in the 19th-century political upheavals of Honduras and in rivalry with Tegucigalpa for the position of national capital, but only in 1880 was the capital finally transferred to Tegucigalpa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among his sharpest recommendations and observations to future American princes: "A wise American policy will seek to navigate between a Europe abdicating from international responsibilities and a Europe striving for a global role in rivalry with the United States".

The New York Times - Books

"I think it's a compliment to be considered to be in rivalry with Miramax, which has been around doing great work for quite a while," said Walter Parks, head of the motion picture division at DreamWorks.

The New York Times

Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer of Germany, the leading candidate to become the European Union's first foreign minister under its new constitution, has said in Washington that a strong future Europe must not be developed in rivalry with the United States.

The New York Times

Clouds fill our vision, with lonely street lamps jutting in at the foot of the frame; they give off a faint buzz, in rivalry with the natural chirr of insects.

The New Yorker

The first symptoms had appeared even before 1800, yet for a few years his life continued unchanged: he still played in the houses of the nobility, in rivalry with other pianists, and performed in public with such visiting virtuosos as violinist George Bridgetower (to whom the Kreutzer Sonata was originally dedicated).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Barbara Haskell, the Whitney's curator of early-20th-century art, said there was a built-in rivalry with MoMA.

The New York Times - Arts

Kellogg is a typically insecure reporter, but his assignment enmeshes him in rivalries with more successful men.

Independent

Carolina holds an intense in-state rivalry with fellow Tobacco Road school, North Carolina State University.

Wikipedia

Apparently the antipapal policies of Napoleon III provoked him to revive his Legitimist claim to the monarchy (in rivalry alike with Bonapartist and with Orleanist claims).

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Steve Austin lost his WWF Title, he engaged in a rivalry with Vince and Shane McMahon in retaliation for their interference during his match at Over the Edge.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in rivalry with", ensure the context clearly establishes a competitive relationship or a state of opposition between the entities involved. This phrase is most effective when highlighting sustained competition over time.

Common error

Avoid using "in rivalry with" to describe situations where there is merely disagreement or difference of opinion, without an element of ongoing competition or striving for the same goal. Use phrases like "in disagreement with" or "in opposition to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in rivalry with" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of competition or opposition between two or more entities. It specifies the nature of the relationship, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in rivalry with" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to describe competitive relationships. Ludwig AI confirms this with its positive assessment. It's most commonly found in news and encyclopedic sources, signaling a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys sustained competition. Remember to use it when highlighting ongoing contention and avoid it when describing simple disagreements. Alternatives like "competing against" and "in competition with" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in competition with

Highlights the competitive aspect but can be less intense than "in rivalry with".

vieing for

Focuses on striving for the same goal or prize.

competing against

Focuses on the act of direct competition, rather than the state of rivalry.

battling against

Suggests a more intense and potentially hostile competition.

contending with

Implies a struggle or effort to overcome an opponent.

locked in a struggle with

Emphasizes the sustained effort and difficulty of the competition.

at odds with

Focuses on disagreement and conflict, not necessarily competition.

in opposition to

Emphasizes resistance or disagreement rather than direct competition.

challenging

Highlights the act of questioning or contesting authority or status.

emulating

While sometimes implying competition, it mainly means to imitate or try to equal or surpass.

FAQs

How can I use "in rivalry with" in a sentence?

You can use "in rivalry with" to describe entities engaged in a competitive relationship. For example, "The two companies are "in rivalry with" each other for market share".

What are some alternatives to "in rivalry with"?

Some alternatives include "competing against", "in competition with", or "contending with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in rivalry with" in formal writing?

Yes, "in rivalry with" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing business, politics, or historical events where competition is a key factor.

What is the difference between "in rivalry with" and "in conflict with"?

"In rivalry with" suggests an ongoing competition, whereas "in conflict with" implies a more direct and potentially hostile confrontation. The former is about striving for the same goal, while the latter is about direct opposition. Consider alternatives like "at odds with", "in opposition to".