win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "win" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, typically to indicate achieving victory or success in a competition or challenge. Example: "After months of hard work and dedication, we finally win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will win.

The New York Times

And unless Labour is able to embrace a politics of aspiration and inclusion, a politics that defies some of the traditional labels that have dogged politics for so long, then it's not going to win".

The Guardian

Jeff Carter scored in the opening minute of the second and third periods for the Kings, who became the first road team to win in the series.

The New York Times - Sports

"But the electoral reality is that we will not win outright Conservative majorities until we start attracting more of the ethnic vote".

The Guardian

The failure of The Hurricane to win a best picture nomination was a surprise.

The Guardian - Film

Hilary Swank, who has already won a Golden Globe for her role in Boys Don't Cry, is one of the favourites for the best actress Oscar, a category that sees Meryl Streep win a record 12th nomination for Music of the Heart.

The Guardian - Film

Is a big Labour win good for democracy?

The Guardian

But the prime minister failed to win the support of more than half of his 303 MPs after 136 Tories rejected the measure and around 40 Tory MPs either did not vote or actively abstained.

The Guardian

He has a good chance to win here".

The Guardian - Sport

Who would win?

The New York Times - Magazine

We must win".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "win" in a competitive context, specify what is being won to provide clarity. For example, "win the championship" or "win the election".

Common error

While "win" is a versatile word, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "achieve", "secure", or "attain" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "win" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the act of achieving victory or success in a competition, game, or other endeavor. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Examples show it used to describe winning elections, games, and even someone's affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Politics

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "win" is a versatile and frequently used verb that signifies achieving victory or success. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, from sports and politics to personal achievements. While generally neutral in tone, more formal synonyms may be appropriate for academic or scientific writing. Remember to be specific about what is being won for clarity, and avoid overuse in formal contexts for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve victory

Replaces "win" with a more formal expression emphasizing the act of gaining victory.

secure a win

Emphasizes the act of making a victory certain or guaranteed.

emerge victorious

Highlights the outcome of a process, focusing on the state of being victorious after a challenge.

gain triumph

Uses "triumph" as a synonym for "win", implying a significant or celebrated victory.

come out on top

An idiomatic expression that means to be successful or victorious after a competition or struggle.

carry the day

An idiomatic expression meaning to be successful or achieve a win in a particular situation.

clinch the victory

Emphasizes the final act of securing a victory, often after a period of uncertainty.

be the victor

Shifts the focus to the person or entity that wins, using a more formal term "victor".

prevail

Implies overcoming challenges or difficulties to achieve a win or desired outcome.

attain success

Replaces "win" with a broader term "success", indicating the achievement of a desired outcome or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "win" in a sentence?

You can use "win" in sentences like "They hope to "win" the competition", "She wants to "win" him over", or "Hard work is essential to "win" in life".

What are some alternatives to "win"?

Alternatives to "win" include "achieve victory", "secure a win", or "emerge victorious", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "win at" or "win in"?

The preposition used with "win" depends on the context. You usually "win at" a game or activity, but "win in" a competition or election. You can also "win at" something metaphorical, like "win at life".

What's the difference between "win" and "earn"?

"Win" typically implies success in a competition or contest, while "earn" suggests gaining something through effort or merit. You "win" a game but "earn" a reward.