match for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "match for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is equal in strength, skill, or ability to another person or thing. Example: "He was no match for her intelligence and wit during their debate." In this sentence, "match for" is used to indicate that the person was unable to compete or keep up with the other person's intelligence and wit. Another example: "The new team is a perfect match for our company culture." Here, "match for" is used to show that the team fits well and is compatible with the company's culture. Overall, "match for" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to describe compatibility, equality, or competition between two things.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Game, set, match for me.

The New York Times - Sports

A great match for turkey or game.

Independent

Lovano is an ideal match for him.

The New Yorker

It is a fortunate match for Jones.

The New York Times - Magazine

Man of the match for me?

The New York Times

Fair is a match for foul.

The New Yorker

An excellent match for freshly caught seafood.

The New York Times - Travel

It was a crazy match for me".

The New York Times - Sports

Liverpool was no match for that.

The New York Times - Sports

A match for the food.

The New York Times

It's the perfect match for retirement accounts.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "match for", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify both the subject and the standard it is being compared to for optimal clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "match for" without specifying what is being matched. For example, instead of saying "This is a good match", clarify with "This is a good "match for" our needs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating suitability, equivalence, or competitiveness. It connects a subject to a standard or requirement, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "Liverpool was no "match for" that" and "It's the perfect "match for" retirement accounts".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "match for" is a very common prepositional phrase used to indicate suitability, equivalence, or competitiveness. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently across news, academic, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being compared and avoid using the phrase in isolation. Alternatives include "suitable for", "compatible with", and "appropriate for". Whether it's about finding the perfect "match for" a job or noting that one force is no "match for" another, this phrase remains a valuable tool in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suitable for

Focuses on appropriateness and fitness for a specific purpose or situation, rather than direct comparability.

compatible with

Highlights the ability to coexist or function harmoniously with something else, emphasizing synergy.

appropriate for

Emphasizes the suitability of something in a given context, often suggesting a standard or expectation is met.

equal to

Indicates equivalence in value, quantity, or quality, focusing on a direct comparison.

a good fit for

Highlights the alignment or compatibility between two entities or concepts, typically suggesting a comfortable association.

on par with

Suggests that something is at the same level or standard as something else, indicating equivalence in quality or performance.

a rival to

Implies competition or opposition, highlighting similar capabilities but with a competitive dynamic.

a counterpart to

Identifies something that has a similar function or position in a different context, emphasizing structural or functional similarity.

comparable to

Indicates that something can be compared with something else, typically implying similarities in certain aspects.

in line with

Focuses on alignment with a standard, principle, or requirement, rather than direct equivalency or competition.

FAQs

How to use "match for" in a sentence?

Use "match for" to indicate suitability or equivalence. For instance, "This candidate is a good "match for" the job" or "Their strength was no "match for" the storm".

What can I say instead of "match for"?

You can use alternatives like "suitable for", "compatible with", or "appropriate for" depending on the context.

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

"Match for" is typically used as a prepositional phrase. "Matches for" might be used if "matches" is a noun (e.g., "The tournament provides matches for all skill levels"), but this is a different construction.

What's the difference between "match for" and "equal to"?

"Match for" often implies suitability or competitiveness, whereas "equal to" suggests direct equivalence. A candidate might be a good "match for" a job even if they are not exactly "equal to" another candidate in every aspect.