vying for

USAGE SUMMARY

'vying for' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about competing for something. For example: "The two candidates were vying for the same job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All vying for attention!

The New Yorker

"We circulated around her, vying for attention.

The New Yorker

Everyone is vying for first-mover advantage.

The Economist

Several different standards are vying for supremacy.

The Economist

Then, Russia and England were vying for power.

The New York Times

They immediately began vying for my affections.

The New York Times - Magazine

Four big storylines are vying for attention.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Americans vying for access to Elgar?

The New York Times - Arts

The eight groups vying for the Nationals remain the eight groups vying for the Nationals.

The New York Times

WiCare Team vying for the $1 million Hult Prize.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And guess who is vying for the lead?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vying for" when you want to emphasize the active competition between multiple parties for a specific goal or resource. For example, "Several companies are "vying for" the contract".

Common error

Avoid using "vying for" in highly informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it carries a slightly elevated tone compared to simpler alternatives like "competing for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vying for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. It indicates the act of competing or striving for something, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples like "Four candidates are "vying for" the Republican nomination".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vying for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the sense of active competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While suitable for news, professional, and even some academic contexts, it should be used sparingly in very informal settings. Remember to choose "vying for" when you want to highlight the dynamic and competitive nature of a situation, and consider alternatives like ""competing for"" or "striving for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing for

This alternative shares a direct sense of rivalry, with minimal shift of meaning.

battling for

This alternative emphasizes a more intense and combative struggle.

contending for

This alternative suggests a more formal or determined struggle.

in contention for

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing that someone or something is competing for a prize or position.

challenging for

This alternative implies that someone is trying to displace a leader or incumbent.

striving for

This alternative focuses on effort and ambition, diminishing the idea of direct competition.

jockeying for

This alternative carries a nuance of skillful maneuvering and strategic positioning in a competitive environment.

in the running for

This alternative suggests an ongoing process of competition with an uncertain outcome.

pursuing

This alternative focuses on the act of seeking to obtain or accomplish a goal, implying less direct confrontation.

seeking to gain

This alternative shifts the focus to the intention behind the competition or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "vying for" in a sentence?

You can use "vying for" to describe a situation where multiple parties are actively competing for the same goal. For example, "Several candidates are "competing for" the leadership position".

What are some alternatives to "vying for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""competing for"", "contending for", or "striving for".

Is it more appropriate to say "competing for" or "vying for"?

Both phrases are generally correct, but "vying for" suggests a more active and perhaps intense level of competition. "Competing for" may be suitable for less intense situations.

What does "vying for" imply about the nature of the competition?

"Vying for" often implies that there is a desirable prize or position and that the competitors are actively and conspicuously trying to obtain it. It suggests a proactive approach to "competition".