race with

USAGE SUMMARY

"race with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to competing against someone in a running race, for example. Example sentence: "I am going to race with my brother to see who can finish the 5K faster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North race with the Bears (7-3).

The New York Times - Sports

He won that race with ease.

The New York Times

"We're in a technological race with ourselves".

The New York Times

My race with Max was good fun..

The Guardian - Sport

He jokes about race with irreverence.

The Washington Post

"It's a different race with different candidates.

The New York Times

South a three-team race with Atlanta.

The New York Times - Sports

West Division race with the loss.

The New York Times - Sports

A race with massive implications for GB.

The Guardian - Sport

He won the 1999 national race with it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A deadlocked arms race with rival corporations, Mr Matthews argues.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "race with", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a literal race or a figurative competition, such as in business or politics. For instance, specify "a car race with" or "an arms race with" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "race with" without clear context; it might lead to confusion if the reader cannot determine whether you are referring to a physical race or a metaphorical competition. Be explicit to ensure your meaning is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "race with" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the act of competing against someone or something in a contest or struggle. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from sports to business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "race with" is a common and versatile expression used to describe competition across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase finds its primary use in news and media, often describing contests and rivalries, but also appears in academic and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity between literal races and figurative competitions. Consider alternatives like "compete against" or "vie with" to add nuance. Overall, "race with" is a reliable choice for expressing competitive dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete against

Focuses on the act of rivalry or striving against an opponent.

contend with

Implies dealing with something challenging while striving toward a goal.

vie with

Suggests an intense competition for superiority or victory.

battle against

Emphasizes a struggle or conflict in the process of competing.

rival

Highlights a competitive relationship often between two entities.

collaborate with in a competition

Indicates working jointly within a competitive setting.

participate in a race alongside

Underscores involvement and proximity in a competitive event.

run alongside

Focuses on the act of being side by side in movement, literally or figuratively.

be in competition with

Emphasizes the state of being engaged in a rivalry.

challenge

Implies an invitation to compete or confront a task.

FAQs

What does "race with" mean?

The phrase "race with" typically means to compete against someone in a race, whether it's a literal sporting event or a figurative competition. It indicates striving to outperform another entity or individual.

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

You can use "race with" to describe any form of competition. For example: "Our company is in a technology "race with" its main competitor", or "I'm going to "race with" my friend in the upcoming marathon".

What are some alternatives to "race with"?

Alternatives to "race with" include "compete against", "vie with", or "contend with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "race against" instead of "race with"?

Yes, "race against" is also a correct and commonly used phrase. While "race with" emphasizes the direct interaction and competition, "race against" focuses more on the overall competitive context. They are often interchangeable, but the slight difference can affect the tone.