what a match

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a match" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express surprise, excitement, or admiration for a particularly good or impressive event, situation, or performance. Example: "What a match that was! Both teams played with incredible skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

What a match!

The New York Times

"What a match point, unbelievable," Djokovic said.

The New York Times - Sports

"What a match it is," Tomic said.

The New York Times - Sports

What a match he's having.

The Guardian - Sport

Madre mía, what a match!

The Guardian - Sport

What a match; what a game.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

What a match-up it would have made, had they not been born 10 years apart.

The Guardian - Sport

What a stunning match.

The Guardian - Sport

What a crazy match.

The Guardian - Sport

And what a pulsating match it was.

The Guardian - Sport

What a brilliant match it's been.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what a match" to express genuine enthusiasm or excitement about an event, especially in informal settings or when recapping memorable moments.

Common error

Avoid using "what a match" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more sophisticated expressions of admiration or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a match" functions primarily as an exclamation, expressing a strong feeling of excitement, admiration, or surprise. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and commonly used phrase in written English, often used to recap memorable moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

31%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what a match" is a common and correct exclamatory phrase used to express enthusiasm or admiration for an event, as Ludwig AI confirms. Primarily found in news and media, particularly in sports contexts, it serves to convey excitement. While grammatically sound and prevalent in informal settings, it should be used cautiously in formal writing where a more sophisticated tone is expected. Alternatives such as "what a showdown" or "amazing game" offer similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis. Remember, its purpose is to highlight something truly remarkable. Thus, while its register leans towards neutrality, consider your audience before choosing it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a showdown

Focuses on the competitive aspect of the event, highlighting a significant confrontation.

what a championship

Emphasizes the importance and high stakes of the match.

what a game

A more general expression of excitement and approval for the event.

what a contest

Highlights the competitive nature of the event.

what a competition

Focuses on the overall competitive aspect, rather than a specific instance.

what a clash

Emphasizes the conflict or opposition within the event.

amazing game

A simple, direct expression of admiration.

fantastic match

Highlights the high quality and enjoyable nature of the match.

incredible performance

Shifts focus to the skill and execution displayed.

unbelievable game

Expresses astonishment and amazement at the event.

FAQs

How can I use "what a match" in a sentence?

You can use "what a match" to express excitement or admiration after witnessing an impressive event. For example, "What a match that was! Both teams played incredibly well."

What can I say instead of "what a match"?

You can use alternatives like "what a showdown", "amazing game", or "fantastic match" depending on the context.

Is "what a match" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what a match" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, opt for more sophisticated and professional alternatives.

When is it best to use "what a match"?

It's best used in informal conversations, casual writing, or when expressing genuine excitement about a sporting event, competition, or other noteworthy occurrence.