neck and neck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neck and neck" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means that two people or things are in a very close race and that the outcome is uncertain. For example: The two competitors were running neck and neck for the final stretch of the race.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was neck and neck.

The New York Times - Sports

The polls remain neck and neck.

The Economist

The polls are neck and neck.

The Economist

They are neck and neck.

The Guardian - Sport

The Showdowns They're Running Neck and Neck..

The New York Times

Santorum is neck and neck there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Polls put them neck-and-neck.

The Economist

They have run neck-and-neck since.

The New York Times

Some have had the two parties almost neck-and-neck.

The Guardian

Candidates for lieutenant governor were neck-and-neck.

The Washington Post

It again showed that the parties were neck-and-neck.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neck and neck" to vividly describe situations where the outcome is highly uncertain due to the closeness of the competitors. It adds a sense of excitement and suspense to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "neck and neck" in contexts where the difference is clear or significant; the phrase is specifically for situations of near-equality. For example, saying "The tortoise and the hare were neck and neck" after the hare falls asleep would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neck and neck" primarily functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of close competition or equality. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use to modify nouns like "race", "contest", and "election", indicating that the entities involved are nearly equal in progress or standing. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neck and neck" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that vividly describes situations of close competition, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight the uncertainty and excitement of tightly contested scenarios. For alternative expressions, consider options like "very close" or "evenly matched". Ludwig AI confirms that "neck and neck" is correct and usable in written English. To avoid misuse, ensure the context genuinely reflects near-equality between competitors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nip and tuck

An idiomatic expression signifying a closely contested situation, similar to "neck and neck".

in a tight race

Highlights the competitive tension and closeness of the contest.

very close

Focuses on the proximity in terms of results or scores.

nearly tied

Focuses on the almost-equal state of the competition.

evenly matched

Highlights the balanced skill or strength of the competitors.

running close together

Emphasizes the action of competing and maintaining a similar pace.

virtually level

Expresses that competitors are at approximately the same level.

all square

Implies that the scores or standings are equal.

on equal footing

Highlights the balanced state or condition of competitors.

dead heat

Indicates a tie, where competitors finish at the exact same time.

FAQs

How can I use "neck and neck" in a sentence?

You can use "neck and neck" to describe situations where competitors are very close, such as "The two candidates are "running neck and neck" in the polls" or "The teams were "neck and neck until" the final quarter".

What's the difference between "neck and neck" and "nip and tuck"?

Both "neck and neck" and "nip and tuck" describe a close competition, but "nip and tuck" often implies a more sustained back-and-forth exchange of leads, while "neck and neck" can simply indicate a close proximity at a particular moment.

What can I say instead of "neck and neck"?

You can use alternatives like "very close", "evenly matched", or "in a tight race" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "neck and neck" in formal writing?

Yes, "neck and neck" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in journalistic or analytical contexts, as seen in examples from The Economist and The New York Times. However, be mindful of your audience and consider more formal alternatives like "closely contested" if necessary.