intense rivalry between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense rivalry between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong competition or conflict between two or more parties, such as individuals, teams, or organizations. Example: "The intense rivalry between the two football teams has captivated fans for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The intense rivalry between Thomas and Bird as players has moved to the executive suite.

The New York Times - Sports

There is an intense rivalry between the two groups for players as well as for the best trips and tournaments.

The New York Times - Sports

Women's hockey, fuelled by the intense rivalry between Canada and the United States, has come a long way.

The New Yorker

He also indicated that there had been periods of intense rivalry between the French and American intelligence systems.

Britannica

Scarce water resources and grazing land has caused intense rivalry between cattle-raising Arab tribesmen and African farming communities.

The New York Times

Prussia's humiliation began an intense rivalry between the two German powers that ended with Austria's military defeat in 1866.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The intense rivalry between the two brothers is cleverly thrown into contrast here by the merry behaviour of Stockmann's own two sons.

The Guardian

The decision was a difficult one because of the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan and the strife between the two nations.

The New York Times

Film-maker Cosima Spender follows the intense rivalry between various trainers generally former star riders themselves, and introduces us to the Palio's nuances and undercurrents.

The Guardian - Film

But it has stoked the sometimes playful, sometimes intense rivalry between St .Paul and Minneapolis, its bigger, more confident sibling 10 miles to the west.

The New York Times

Normally, intense rivalry between the airlines of the major Continental European qualifiers – France, Holland, Germany, Spain and Italy – keeps a lid on fares to South America.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense rivalry between" to clearly convey a strong sense of competition or antagonism. It's particularly effective when describing relationships in sports, business, or politics where the stakes are high and the competition is fierce.

Common error

Avoid replacing "between" with "among" when referring to a rivalry involving only two parties. "Between" is specifically for two entities, while "among" is for three or more.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense rivalry between" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the nature of the relationship between two entities, indicating a strong competitive or antagonistic dynamic. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense rivalry between" effectively conveys a strong sense of competition or antagonism between two entities, as supported by numerous examples. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the dynamic and intensity of the relationship being described. Remember to use "between" specifically for two entities. Alternatives like "fierce competition between" or "bitter conflict between" can be used to add a subtle shift in emphasis, but "intense rivalry between" remains a powerful and versatile option for conveying a strong competitive relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce competition between

Replaces 'rivalry' with 'competition', emphasizing the competitive aspect.

intense competition among

Slightly alters the preposition to 'among', suitable for more than two entities.

bitter conflict between

Substitutes 'rivalry' with 'conflict', highlighting the antagonistic nature.

cutthroat competition between

Emphasizes the ruthlessness and intensity of the competition.

heated contest between

Uses 'contest' instead of 'rivalry', suggesting a more formal competition.

acute tension between

Highlights the stress and strain in the relationship due to the rivalry.

strong antagonism between

Replaces 'rivalry' with 'antagonism', focusing on mutual hostility.

fierce opposition between

Focuses on the act of opposing each other, rather than the overall relationship.

sharp division between

Focuses on the separation and lack of unity caused by the rivalry.

deep-seated animosity between

Emphasizes the long-lasting and profound nature of the hostility.

FAQs

How can I use "intense rivalry between" in a sentence?

You can use "intense rivalry between" to describe a strong competition or conflict. For example, "There is an "intense rivalry between" the two companies."

What's a good substitute for "intense rivalry between"?

Alternatives include "fierce competition between", "bitter conflict between", or "strong antagonism between", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "intense rivalry among" instead of "intense rivalry between"?

While both are grammatically correct, "intense rivalry between" is used when referring to two entities, whereas "intense rivalry among" is appropriate when there are three or more parties involved.

What creates an "intense rivalry between" two entities?

An "intense rivalry between" two entities often arises from factors such as scarce resources, differing ideologies, or the pursuit of the same goals. For instance, the "intense rivalry between" two sports teams may stem from their desire to win championships.