very competitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very competitive" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe something or someone that is characterized by or requiring great determination, effort, or skill in order to succeed. For example, "The job market is very competitive - you need to be sure to put your best foot forward to stand out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unsurprisingly, it's very competitive.

Independent

"She's very competitive.

The New Yorker

It's become very competitive.

The New York Times

"She is very competitive.

The New Yorker

But I'm very competitive.

The New York Times

Uh, very competitive".

The New York Times

Apple is very competitive.

The New York Times

It's very competitive nowadays".

The New York Times - Sports

It was very competitive".

The New Yorker

It's very competitive out here".

The New York Times - Sports

We have very competitive rates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a market or industry, use "very competitive" to highlight the intensity of rivalry and the need for businesses to differentiate themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "very competitive" when a stronger, more specific adjective would better convey the level and nature of competition. For example, instead of "very competitive", consider "cutthroat", "fierce", or "intense" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very competitive" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a high degree of rivalry or contest. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very competitive" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation characterized by intense rivalry. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While "very competitive" is generally acceptable, consider using stronger and more specific adjectives to enhance clarity and impact. To enhance your writing, remember to use stronger synonyms when applicable and stay away from using "much competitive", as it is not correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly competitive

Emphasizes a high degree of competitiveness.

extremely competitive

Highlights the intensity of the competition.

fiercely competitive

Suggests an aggressive and intense form of competition.

exceptionally competitive

Indicates a level of competitiveness above the norm.

intensely competitive

Focuses on the strong and concentrated nature of the competition.

cutthroat

Implies a ruthlessly competitive environment.

challenging

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the competitive situation.

tough competition

Focuses on the difficulty of competing.

a dog-eat-dog world

Uses a metaphor to describe a ruthlessly competitive environment where only the strongest survive.

neck and neck

Describes a situation where competitors are very close in the standings or results.

FAQs

How can I use "very competitive" in a sentence?

You can use "very competitive" to describe a situation where there's a high level of rivalry, such as "The job market is "very competitive"" or "The prices in that industry are "very competitive"".

What can I say instead of "very competitive"?

Alternatives to "very competitive" include "highly competitive", "extremely competitive", or "fiercely competitive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "very competitive" or "much competitive"?

"Very competitive" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Much competitive" is not standard English.

How does "very competitive" compare to "competitive"?

"Very competitive" intensifies the adjective "competitive", indicating a higher degree of rivalry or contest. Using "very" adds emphasis.