to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

"to compete" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as both a verb and a noun. For example: My grandfather always said that if you wanted success in life, you had to compete.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've got to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's hard to compete".

The New York Times

They have to compete.

The New York Times

He loves to compete.

The New York Times

"He continues to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

I love to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to compete".

The New York Times

"He loved to compete".

The New Yorker

You have to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to compete immediately".

The New York Times

Way to compete, mega-franchises!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to compete" to describe actively striving against others for a goal, prize, or position. Be specific about what you are competing for to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "to compete" when the action is not directed at others or a specific goal. Use "to participate" or "to engage" instead when describing general involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to compete" primarily functions as an infinitive verb form, indicating the action of engaging in a contest or rivalry. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to compete" functions as an infinitive verb, commonly used across diverse contexts to indicate participation in a rivalry or striving for a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While generally neutral in tone, context is key, where alternatives like ""to contend"" or ""to vie"" might better suit specific nuances. Remember to avoid using "to compete" reflexively; instead, opt for alternatives such as "to participate" or "to engage" when a direct rivalry isn't implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to contend

This alternative suggests a more formal or determined effort to win or achieve something.

to rival

This alternative highlights the existence of a competitor or enemy, implying a dynamic tension.

to vie

This alternative implies a more direct and often intense rivalry.

to challenge

This alternative focuses on questioning or disputing something, often involving a competitive element.

to battle

This alternative suggests a direct and often fierce confrontation.

to strive

This alternative emphasizes effort and hard work toward a goal, without necessarily implying direct competition.

to contest

This alternative suggests a formal challenge or dispute, such as in an election or legal matter.

to oppose

This alternative focuses on resistance and disagreement, with the possibility of confronting a rival.

to push

This alternative means to strive towards an objective and try to reach it

to struggle

This alternative means to fight, or contend forcefully

FAQs

How can I effectively use "to compete" in a sentence?

Use "to compete" to indicate active participation in a contest or rivalry. For example, "Our company needs "to compete effectively" in the global market."

What are some alternatives to "to compete" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to contend", "to vie", or "to challenge" to add variety to your writing.

Is there a difference between "to compete" and "to contend"?

"To compete" generally implies a structured rivalry, while ""to contend"" can suggest a more general struggle or effort. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it more appropriate to use "to participate" instead of "to compete"?

Use "to participate" when the emphasis is on taking part in an activity without necessarily striving to win. "To compete" is more suitable when the goal is to outperform others.