key matchup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key matchup" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of sports or competitive events to refer to an important or pivotal contest between two teams or players. Example: "The upcoming game features a key matchup between the two star quarterbacks, which could determine the outcome of the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It may be the key matchup in the series.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's the key matchup right there, without question," Boise State Coach Chris Petersen said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We thought the matchup of Kyle and Bulter was the key matchup for us," Krzyzewski said.

The New York Times - Sports

KEY MATCHUP Hakim Warrick (19.8 points, 8.6 rebounds) against Kennedy Winston.

The New York Times - Sports

The key matchup could be Chris Osgood's Cup experience over final neophyte Marc-Andre Fleury.

The New York Times

KEY MATCHUP Tech's Luke Schenscher (7-1, 255-pounds) againsthehe 6-9, 250-pound Simien. 250-pound Simien

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

4. What are the key matchups?

The New York Times

"So when you think about every arena selling opposing player jerseys at the concession stands, and when you think about attendance always being greater when you have the key matchups and the best players in town, why wouldn't you do it?

The New York Times

Yet, in just six months it launched the Pac-12 video site has live feeds from its various networks, as well as a ton of on-demand video, including recaps of key matchups, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories about student athletes, faculty, and their universities.

TechCrunch

Here are the key matchups and players with the most to prove this weekend.

Huffington Post

Let's take a look at the key matchups for the title tilt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key matchup", provide specific details about the participants and the context to emphasize its importance. For example, mention the players involved, their statistics, or the stakes of the competition.

Common error

Avoid using "key matchup" in situations that don't involve a direct competition or pairing. It's best suited for sports, games, or strategic contests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key matchup" functions as a noun phrase, where "key" modifies "matchup". It identifies a specific pairing or contest that is considered particularly important or decisive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key matchup" is a commonly used noun phrase to emphasize the importance of a specific pairing or competition, predominantly in sports and news reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, be specific about the context and participants to maximize its impact. Alternative phrases include "pivotal contest" and "crucial encounter". Remember to avoid overusing it in non-competitive scenarios. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "key matchup" to highlight significant contests and enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal contest

Focuses on the critical nature of the competition.

crucial encounter

Highlights the importance of the meeting or confrontation.

significant pairing

Emphasizes the importance of the two entities being matched.

critical showdown

Adds a sense of drama and high stakes to the competition.

major confrontation

Stresses the adversarial nature of the meeting.

decisive battle

Implies that the outcome will have a strong impact.

game-changing contest

Indicates that the competition could alter the overall landscape.

prime rivalry

Highlights the competitive tension between the participants.

noteworthy face-off

Focuses on the importance of the direct interaction between competitors.

essential head-to-head

Underscores the necessity of the direct competition.

FAQs

How can I use "key matchup" in a sentence?

You can use "key matchup" to describe an important pairing in a competition, such as "The "key matchup" in the finals will be between the two highest-scoring players."

What's another way to say "key matchup"?

Alternatives to "key matchup" include "pivotal contest", "crucial encounter", or "significant pairing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "key matchup" formal or informal?

"Key matchup" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in sports and news reporting.

What makes a matchup "key"?

A matchup is considered "key" when it is expected to significantly influence the outcome of a competition, often due to the high skill or importance of the participants involved. It indicates that the result of that particular competition will have a great impact on the overall outcome.