not to be outdone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not to be outdone" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express competitiveness or the desire to match or surpass someone else's actions or achievements. Example: The team worked tirelessly on their project, not to be outdone by their competitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to be outdone, Maj.

The New York Times

France was not to be outdone.

The New York Times

Mr. Koch was not to be outdone.

The New York Times

Labour was determined not to be outdone.

The Guardian

Not to be outdone, Democrats are also joining the fray.

The New York Times

His old employer is not to be outdone either.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, Paramount may join the party.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, the guys get even fatter.

The Guardian - Books

Not to be outdone, Smith immediately hit back.

The Guardian

Not to be outdone, the other big network followed suit.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, American Apparel now sells bow ties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to be outdone" to add a touch of playful rivalry or competition to your writing. It implies a deliberate effort to match or surpass another's achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "not to be outdone" when there is no element of competition or matching achievements. It's not simply a synonym for 'also' or 'in addition'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to be outdone" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a reaction or action taken in response to another's achievement, often with a sense of competition or emulation. As Ludwig examples show, it introduces a contrasting or comparable action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not to be outdone" is a versatile phrase used to describe a competitive or imitative response to another's actions. As indicated by Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it implies a playful rivalry or ambition to match or surpass. Remember to use it when a genuine element of competition or emulation is present. Ludwig AI validates these observations, showcasing the phrase's consistent usage across a wide range of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambitious to outdo

Directly states the ambition to surpass.

not to be outshone

Directly addresses the avoidance of being excelled.

intent on matching

Highlights the intention to correspond in achievement.

not wanting to be overshadowed

Emphasizes the desire to avoid being less prominent.

competing to excel

Focuses on competing with the aim of surpassing.

determined to compete

Focuses on the competitive aspect, emphasizing resolve.

eager to rival

Highlights the eagerness to enter into a rivalry.

resolved to surpass

Emphasizes a firm decision to exceed.

striving to equal

Focuses on the effort to reach the same level.

keen to emulate

Highlights the enthusiasm for imitating and possibly exceeding.

FAQs

How can I use "not to be outdone" in a sentence?

Use "not to be outdone" to show that someone or something is trying to match or surpass another's achievement. For example, "The marketing team launched a new campaign, and, "not to be outdone", the sales team implemented a new incentive program".

What is a synonym for "not to be outdone"?

Synonyms include phrases like "determined to compete", "not wanting to be overshadowed", or "ambitious to outdo". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "not to be outdone" and "also"?

"Also" simply adds information. "Not to be outdone" implies a competitive element, suggesting an effort to match or surpass someone else. The phrase adds extra meaning.

Is "not to be outdone" formal or informal?

The phrase "not to be outdone" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "determined to compete" for added precision.