spur competition

USAGE SUMMARY

"spur competition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which something encourages or prompts people to compete against each other. For example, "The introduction of new incentives from the government has spurred competition among businesses in the sector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Banning anti-competitive exclusivity agreements can help spur competition.

The Guardian

It certainly does not spur competition".

The New York Times

The insurance exchanges will spur competition.

The New York Times

But wouldn't this bill spur competition?

The Guardian

If that helps spur competition among states, all the better.

The Economist

Supporters said the vouchers would give employees more options and spur competition in the marketplace.

The New York Times

Backers of this ambitious scheme hope it will spur competition across the school district.

The Economist

Foreign banks spur competition, introduce new products and increase access to credit.

The Economist

That in turn, analysts said, will spur competition to provide lower-cost access and new services.

The New York Times

These dot-com marketplaces can link more buyers and suppliers, spur competition and speed negotiations.

The New York Times

The investment would provide a huge benefit to confused consumers and help spur competition to bring down health insurance costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about economic policy, use "spur competition" to describe government actions that aim to increase the number of businesses competing in a market. For instance, "Deregulation can "spur competition" by reducing barriers to entry."

Common error

Avoid confusing "spur" with "spark". While both can initiate action, "spur" implies ongoing encouragement, while "spark" suggests a sudden, brief ignition. For example, use "spur competition" when discussing sustained competitive environments, not just initial triggers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spur competition" functions as a verb phrase, where "spur" acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (competition). It is used to describe the act of encouraging or stimulating competitive behavior within a market, industry, or other context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spur competition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that effectively communicates the act of encouraging competitive behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for formal discussions on economic policies and market dynamics. When using the phrase, remember to emphasize the ongoing nature of the encouragement and avoid confusion with terms like "spark", which suggests a more momentary ignition. Several alternatives like "foster competition" and "boost competitiveness" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encourage rivalry

This alternative directly emphasizes the competitive aspect by using the word "rivalry".

boost competitiveness

Focuses on enhancing the ability to compete effectively, rather than just initiating competition.

stimulate market contest

This phrase is more formal and highlights market dynamics.

foster competitive spirit

Emphasizes the internal drive and attitude toward competition.

promote a level playing field

This shifts the focus to ensuring fairness in competition, rather than simply encouraging it.

incentivize market participation

This alternative focuses on motivating entities to engage in the market.

catalyze competitive dynamics

This suggests a more active and transformative role in initiating competition.

trigger market forces

This alternative suggests setting off broader economic reactions within the market.

instigate competitive action

Emphasizes the initiation of specific competitive activities.

ignite market competition

This suggests a forceful and immediate commencement of competition.

FAQs

How can I use "spur competition" in a sentence?

You can use "spur competition" to describe actions that encourage competitive behavior. For example, "The new regulations are designed to "encourage competition" and innovation in the industry."

What are some alternatives to "spur competition"?

Some alternatives include "foster competition", "boost competitiveness", or "encourage rivalry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stimulate competition" instead of "spur competition"?

While "stimulate competition" is grammatically correct, "spur competition" is more commonly used and implies a more direct and immediate effect. Consider the context when choosing between the two.

How does deregulation "spur competition"?

Deregulation can "spur competition" by removing barriers to entry for new businesses, allowing more companies to participate in the market and compete for customers.