that can compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can compete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has the ability or capability to compete with others in a particular context, such as in business, sports, or any competitive scenario. Example: "Our new product is designed to be innovative and efficient, ensuring that it can compete with the leading brands in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need incentive payments that can compete".

The Economist

There is no crop that can compete with those prices".

The New York Times

We're not a team that can compete for free agents.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, the OTSEM produces a result that can compete in accuracy with the quadrilateral SEM (QSEM).

Journal of Computational Physics

Take the goal of creating a public insurance plan that can compete along side private insurers.

Princeton University

You have to create advertising that can compete with pop culture".

The New York Times

There are just not that many alternatives that can compete with corporate America at this point".

The New York Times

But for the time being, Lego has built a business that can compete with the best.

The Economist

Developing a transport fuel that can compete with oil is an enormous challenge.

The New Yorker

"For a long time the Nets struggled and now they have a team that can compete.

The New York Times - Sports

Alabama has a running back tandem that can compete with any backfield in the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "that can compete", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'a product that can compete in the market' rather than just 'something that can compete'.

Common error

Avoid using "that can compete" without specifying the area of competition. Without context, the phrase lacks impact and can seem vague. Always clarify what the subject is competing in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can compete" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, indicating a capability or potential to engage in competition. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe attributes enabling competitiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that can compete" is a versatile phrase functioning as a relative clause to describe the potential or ability to engage in competition. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Business. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area of competition. Consider alternatives like "able to contend" or "capable of rivaling" for more formal settings. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "that can compete" remains a reliable and effective phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competitive enough to

Highlights the degree of competitiveness required.

able to contend

Replaces "compete" with "contend", implying a struggle or effort to compete.

strong enough to contend

Focuses on the strength needed to be competitive.

capable of rivaling

Substitutes "compete" with "rivaling", suggesting a position of potentially matching or surpassing another.

can hold its own against

Suggests an ability to maintain a competitive position against others.

in a position to challenge

Emphasizes the act of challenging others in a competitive environment.

is a match for

Highlights the ability to equal or surpass the competition.

equipped to vie

Uses "vie" instead of "compete", indicating an active effort to win or achieve something.

matches the capabilities of

Shifts the focus to matching the abilities of competitors.

on par with

Indicates equality in competitive ability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that can compete" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "capable of rivaling" or "able to contend", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "that can compete" and "that is competitive"?

While similar, "that can compete" implies a potential or future ability to compete, whereas "that is competitive" suggests a current state of competitiveness.

What are some synonyms for "compete" in the phrase "that can compete"?

Synonyms include "rival", "vie", "contend", or "challenge". For example, "that can rival" or "that can challenge".

How to use "that can compete" in a sentence?

Use it to describe something with the ability to be competitive. Example: "The company needs to develop a product "that can compete" with leading brands".