make a race

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a race" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to organize or set up a competition or contest. Example: "The students will make a race to see who can solve the math problem the fastest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The City subway seems destined to make a race of hardy pedestrians out of us yet.

The New Yorker

"Maryellen's a good candidate, with the money to still make a race of it.

The New York Times

At some point, the party will have to do better to make a race out of 2012.

The New York Times

The strike has been going… The City subway seems destined to make a race of hardy pedestrians out of us yet.

The New Yorker

And, for one night anyway, a media eager to make a race of it was willing to go along with him.

The New Yorker

Still, both vessels were en route to the Mediterranean after a winter in the Caribbean, so it was decided to make a race of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

God's Own, twice a Grade One winner in the spring, made a fair return to action in second place, while Vibrato Valtat was third, tiring after seeming to make a race-winning charge to the front at the second-last.

The Guardian - Sport

Uncle Mo's owner, Mike Repole, paid the $25,000 entry fee for the colt's spot in the starting gate but said he would make a race-day decision about whether to let him break from the No. 18 hole in the Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

You could make a racing mix consisting of breakfast cereal and oats.

WikiHow

Neither company is anywhere close to challenging Apple's market cap, making it a race for silver for now.

TechCrunch

There is something gratuitous about Around Alone, which makes a race out of a survival contest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a race" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the type of competition being referred to. For example, specify if it's a political race, a sporting event, or a metaphorical contest.

Common error

Avoid using "make a race" without sufficient context. Readers might misunderstand your intention if it's not clear what kind of competition you're referring to. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a race" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe the act of creating or initiating a competition. As exemplified by Ludwig, the phrase is often used in contexts relating to politics, sports, or general competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a race" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the creation or instigation of a competitive situation. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is often found in contexts related to politics, sports, and general competitive scenarios, adding a layer of excitement or intensity to the described event. While generally neutral in register, its usage leans toward the informal, making it suitable for everyday conversation but requiring careful consideration in more formal writing. To ensure clarity, it's best to provide sufficient context so readers understand the type of competition being referenced. Alternatives like "organize a competition" or "establish a contest" may be preferred in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

organize a competition

Focuses on the organizational aspect of setting up a contest.

establish a contest

Highlights the formal creation of a competitive event.

create a competition

Emphasizes the act of bringing a competition into existence.

arrange a race

Suggests the planning and preparation involved in setting up a race.

stage a competition

Implies the presentation or performance aspect of a contest.

put on a race

Informal way of saying to organize and present a race.

form a rivalry

Emphasizes the development of competitive tension between parties.

ignite a contest

Suggests a spark that initiates a competitive situation.

foster competition

Highlights the nurturing or encouragement of a competitive environment.

spark a rivalry

Similar to ignite a contest, but focuses on the personal or group animosity.

FAQs

How can I use "make a race" in a sentence?

You can use "make a race" to describe creating a competitive situation, as in, "The candidates' aggressive tactics "make a race competitive"." or "The teams decided to "make a race of it" to see who could finish first."

What does it mean to "make a race of it"?

To ""make a race of it"" means to turn an activity or situation into a competition, often for fun or to add excitement. It implies that even if the activity wasn't initially intended as a race, participants decide to compete in it.

What can I say instead of "make a race"?

Alternatives include "organize a competition", "establish a contest", or "create a competition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "make a race" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "make a race" can sometimes sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "establish a contest" or "organize a competition" for a more professional tone.