launched a bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launched a bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to business, auctions, or competitive proposals where someone is making an offer or proposal to acquire something or win a contract. Example: "The company launched a bid to secure the government contract for the new infrastructure project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was also why Pfizer, an American drugmaker, launched a bid for AstraZenica, a British rival.

The Economist

However, Cole's legal team immediately launched a bid against the ban, which will be considered later.

The Guardian - Sport

The two organisations needed a home so Hall launched a bid for lottery money.

The Guardian

Jim Murphy has launched a bid to recruit more members from the armed forces.

The Guardian

As reported last week, residents have launched a bid to set up a Headingley Tennis Club on the site.

The Guardian

See articlePark Geun-hye, daughter of former South Korean president Park Chung-hee, launched a bid to become the country's first female president.

The Economist

This week it launched a bid to win control of AutoNavi, China's biggest equivalent to Google Maps.JD's rush to float, despite its meagre profits, is no accident.

The Economist

Interest in mergers has grown too: Texas Pacific Group, a giant private-equity firm, has launched a bid for Spain's Iberia, in partnership with British Airways.

The Economist

He has launched a bid for a 35% stake in SNET, a French electricity firm, and wants to buy the rest of SNET's shares from Endesa.

The Economist

His comments came as a group of landowners in a national park launched a bid to prevent a company from drilling under their properties.

The Guardian

Ryanair initially bought its stake in Aer Lingus in 2006 and subsequently launched a bid for the entire company, which the EC blocked.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "launched a bid", consider the context. It implies a proactive and often competitive effort to acquire something, whether it's a company, a contract, or a political position. Choose the phrase when you want to emphasize this active initiation.

Common error

Avoid using "launched a bid" when a simpler phrase like "started an effort" or "began a campaign" would suffice. The word "bid" implies a competitive environment where multiple parties are vying for the same thing. If there's no competition, a different phrase might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launched a bid" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of a formal attempt to obtain something, often in a competitive environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "launched a bid" is a versatile expression used to describe the commencement of a competitive attempt, commonly in business, politics, and sports. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in non-competitive scenarios. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for news articles, business reports, and formal communications. It is very common, especially in News & Media. Remember that it implies an active initiation of a process to acquire something concrete, from contracts to companies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitted an offer

Focuses on the act of presenting a formal proposal, particularly in a business or acquisition context. It is less aggressive and more formal.

made a proposal

Emphasizes the suggestion or plan being put forward, highlighting the intent rather than the competitive aspect of a bid.

put forward a tender

Specifically relates to a formal process where companies compete for a contract, often in construction or government projects.

initiated a campaign

Highlights the strategic and organized nature of an effort, suitable for political or social goals.

commenced a drive

Suggests a focused and energetic effort, often for fundraising or awareness.

presented a claim

Implies asserting a right or entitlement to something, often in legal or insurance contexts.

undertook an attempt

Broadly refers to starting any endeavor, lacking the competitive implication of "bid".

set in motion an endeavor

Highlights the initiation of a challenging and significant undertaking, often with an uncertain outcome.

tabled an application

Refers to the formal submission of a request or petition, usually within an organization or institution.

moved to secure

Focuses on the action taken to obtain or ensure something, without necessarily involving a formal bidding process.

FAQs

How can I use "launched a bid" in a sentence?

You can use "launched a bid" to describe the start of a competitive attempt to acquire something. For example, "The company "launched a bid" to acquire its main competitor".

What can I say instead of "launched a bid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "submitted an offer", "made a proposal", or "put forward a tender".

Is it appropriate to use "launched a bid" in formal writing?

Yes, "launched a bid" is appropriate in formal and business contexts, especially when describing mergers, acquisitions, or competitive proposals. However, ensure the context warrants the competitive implication of the word "bid".

What's the difference between "launched a bid" and "started an initiative"?

"Launched a bid" implies a competitive process to acquire something specific, while "started an initiative" refers to beginning a project or effort, which may not necessarily be competitive. A bid is usually for something tangible, whereas an initiative is more about a plan of action.