match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as comparing two items or finding a suitable counterpart. Example: "We need to find a match for this puzzle piece to complete the picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Man of the match Jack Cork (Swansea).

The Guardian - Sport

He made such a goofy production of trying to light the fuses hanging off his shoe that he practically asked the flight attendant if she had a match.

The Economist

The world economy was in a tailspin and facing disaster to match the 1930s, but Brown had a plan which he had compared to the Bretton Woods agreement that shaped the world's postwar economic infrastructure.

The Guardian

Should Macclesfield make it to the fourth round for only the second time in their history and get paired away from home in a televised match against one of the Premier League big boys, it would be the equivalent of a lottery win.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor did they have enough balls: Fifa had supplied 25 of the new Tango España balls to each participating nation but none of the ones allocated to El Salvador made it as far as the players, who had to ask Hungary to lend them a couple so they could practise before their first match.

The Guardian - Sport

His task will be similar to the one Edberg encountered with Federer, helping him to understand he would have to accept being passed at the net because if he continued to do it correctly, it would pay off when the pressure was ramped up later in the match.

The Guardian - Sport

Two of them came during the first half, one of which saw substitute Lyle Taylor pass-up the best chance of the match for either side.

The Guardian - Sport

If Pearce is still in charge come next Saturday's match against high-flying Derby County, it is hard to imagine him surviving a beating at the hands of the Rams.

The Guardian - Sport

In Madrid, I played one bad match, the final.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, that match also set the tone for a year of bitter controversy.

The Guardian - Sport

It gives us a real belief for the game; whatever happens in the match, we are equipped to deal with it".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "match" to indicate correspondence between items, ideas, or qualities. For instance, "The colors in the painting match the room's decor."

Common error

Avoid using "match" in every instance where similarity or agreement is implied. Alternatives such as "align", "correspond", or "harmonize" can provide more nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "match" is as both a verb, indicating agreement or correspondence, and a noun, referring to a contest, a pair of suitable items, or a device for making fire. Ludwig AI confirms its dual nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Sport

46%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "match" is a versatile term, functioning as both a verb and a noun with various applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning spans from indicating correspondence to describing sporting events. It's very common in both everyday conversation and formal writing, with a neutral register. The most frequent contexts for "match" are news and sports reporting. While generally correct, it's important to consider context and potential alternatives to avoid overuse and ensure precise communication. Remember to consider other similar words based on the context, depending on the meaning you are looking for, like: "align", "correspond", or "harmonize".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equal

Emphasizes sameness in quantity, size, degree, or value, whereas "match" can imply a broader compatibility.

correspond

Focuses on a direct similarity or analogy, changing the emphasis from direct equality to alignment.

duplicate

Highlights the creation of an exact copy, which implies precise replication, unlike "match" which can suggest similarity rather than exactness.

align

Emphasizes arrangement in a straight line or in correct relative position, differing from the direct comparison of "match".

agree

Highlights a mutual understanding or accord, shifting from exact correspondence to a consensus.

coordinate

Stresses the harmonious combination or interaction of elements, instead of simple equivalence.

harmonize

Suggests a pleasing or congruent arrangement, differing from a strict, one-to-one comparison.

resemble

Indicates a similarity in appearance or nature, a weaker connection than a perfect "match".

fit

Focuses on the suitability for a purpose or position, rather than a complete equivalence.

compare

Emphasizes the act of assessing similarities and differences, not necessarily finding an exact correspondence.

FAQs

How to use "match" in a sentence?

You can use "match" to describe agreement, correspondence, or suitability. For example, "The evidence doesn't "align" with his statement" or "These socks "harmonize" perfectly with the dress."

What can I say instead of "match"?

Alternatives include "correspond", "agree", "fit", "equal", or "resemble" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "match" or "matches"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "match" for singular subjects (e.g., "The color does not match.") and "matches" for plural subjects (e.g., "The colors match well.").

What's the difference between "match" and "coincide"?

"Match" implies similarity or correspondence, while "coincide" suggests events happening at the same time. You can use "match" if the topic is color for example or "coincide" if you are talking about two events scheduled.