intense match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense match" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sporting event or other competitive situation in which there is strenuous effort or great intensity, such as a debate or game of chess. For example: "The tennis match between John and Sarah was an intense match, with neither player willing to give up an inch of ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's going to be an intense match.

The Guardian - Sport

The most intense match involving a Williams sister so far in New York might have been the shopping expedition they took together last week.

The New York Times - Sports

From there, Mickelson did not get up and down, and he lost an intense match by making a bogey from the fairway on a par 5.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was an intense match, with tensions and disputes among players and these things can happen when you want to win so much and are playing so intensely," said Milla.

The Guardian - Sport

As adults, they often celebrated Christmas in Hawaii, playing Scrabble — Mr. Obama trounced her in an intense match the month before the Iowa caucuses — and savoring time with their families.

The New York Times

In the fourth set, Erlich had to be treated for a sore shoulder and lost service in the third game in what proved to be the decisive break of an intense match, which lasted 3 46.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I had a lot of super intense matches at the Open.

The New York Times - Sports

And as the day began to unfold in Round 1, the women provided one of the more intense matches.

The New York Times - Sports

Hard experience has shown that Ohio tends to offer intense matches and bleary eyes while awaiting election-night returns.

The New York Times

We have seen some frighteningly intense matches, fought out under the kind of pressure which would send most of us screaming to the asylum.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Shen's choreography, for 12 dancers very much including himself, is severe, geometric, formal and intense, matching the abruptness of the playing with some odd stop-and-start movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense match" to describe a sporting event or competitive situation characterized by high levels of effort, emotion, and close competition. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "intense" multiple times in the same sentence or paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fierce", "heated", or "vigorous" to describe different aspects of the match and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense match" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "match" to denote a high degree of effort, emotion, and competitiveness. Ludwig examples showcase its role in sports reporting and general descriptions of competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense match" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a competitive event characterized by high levels of effort, emotion, and close competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting. While versatile, be mindful of overusing "intense" and consider synonyms like "fierce competition" or "heated contest" to add variety to your writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal scenarios, aiming to convey the dramatic and challenging nature of the event. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase effectively highlights significant effort and emotional investment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce competition

Emphasizes the competitiveness and aggressiveness of the match.

heated contest

Highlights the emotional and passionate nature of the match.

close game

Focuses on the balanced nature and uncertain outcome of the match.

tight battle

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in the match.

hard-fought game

Highlights the determination and resilience displayed during the match.

competitive encounter

A more formal way to describe a match with strong rivalry.

vigorous struggle

Stresses the energy and effort expended by participants.

strenuous competition

Highlights the demanding and exhausting nature of the match.

demanding match

Focuses on the high level of skill and endurance required.

arduous contest

Emphasizes the difficulty and challenges faced during the match.

FAQs

How can I use "intense match" in a sentence?

You can use "intense match" to describe various competitive scenarios. For example: "The final game was an "intense match" that kept everyone on the edge of their seats."

What are some synonyms for "intense match"?

Alternatives include "fierce competition", "heated contest", or "close game", each emphasizing different aspects of the competitive event.

Is it appropriate to use "intense match" in formal writing?

Yes, "intense match" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "competitive encounter".

What makes a match qualify as an "intense match"?

An "intense match" is characterized by high stakes, significant effort from participants, close scoring, and strong emotional engagement from both participants and spectators.