to be won

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be won" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something can be earned or acquired through effort, luck, or hard work. For example, "The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize to be won."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has to be won.

The Economist

There are 10 prizes to be won.

Independent

He won every prize to be won.

The New Yorker

There's a lot to be won.

The New Yorker

There is one prize to be won.

Independent

The battle appears to be won.

The Guardian

"A derby is there to be won.

The Guardian - Sport

The game was there to be won.

The Guardian - Sport

There are 5 prizes to be won.

The Guardian - Arts

-Who would need to be won over?

The New York Times

The prize had yet to be won.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be won" when you want to express that something is available and achievable through effort or competition. For example, "The championship is there "to be won" by any team that demonstrates sufficient skill and determination."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions with "to be won" when an active voice would be more direct and engaging. Instead of "The prize is "to be won" by the fastest runner", consider "The fastest runner will win the prize."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be won" functions as a passive infinitive. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is capable of being achieved or acquired. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be won" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express that something can be achieved or acquired, often through effort or competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While its usage is generally straightforward, being mindful of passive voice and choosing more direct alternatives when appropriate will enhance writing clarity. Semantically related phrases include "up for grabs" and "waiting to be claimed". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up for grabs

Indicates open competition and uncertain outcome.

waiting to be claimed

Highlights the availability and anticipation of someone winning.

capable of being won

This alternative emphasizes the inherent possibility of winning something.

ready to be won

Stresses preparedness and imminence of winning.

able to be achieved

Focuses on the potential for accomplishment, broader than just winning.

available to be won

Highlights the possibility of being won.

liable to be won

Suggests a higher probability or likelihood of being won.

destined to be won

Implies a preordained or inevitable outcome of being won.

there to be taken

Similar to "there for the taking" but more forceful.

there for the taking

Emphasizes ease of acquisition and lack of competition.

FAQs

How can I use "to be won" in a sentence?

You can use "to be won" to indicate something that can be achieved or acquired through effort or competition. For example, "The election is still "waiting to be won"" or "There are many battles "still to be won"".

What are some alternatives to "to be won"?

Alternatives include "up for grabs", "waiting to be claimed", or "able to be achieved", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "that has to be won" instead of "to be won"?

Yes, "that has to be won" is grammatically correct and emphasizes necessity, while "to be won" simply indicates possibility or availability. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "to be won" and "to be earned"?

"To be won" often implies competition or chance, while "to be earned" suggests that something is acquired through effort and merit. For example, a lottery prize is "to be won", while a promotion is "to be earned".