win a prize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "win a prize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has successfully achieved an accomplishment or done something that merits recognition, such as "He won a prize for his poem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Do I win a prize?" - Martyn Wilson.

The Guardian - Sport

Suspect No. 2: You might win a prize.

The New Yorker

Mr Kostakos should win a prize for it.

Independent

Collect all six coupons and win a prize!

The New York Times

Find the golden eggs to win a prize.

Independent

Mr. Clooney, he hoped, would win a prize this weekend.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Fully correct statements win a "prized Geppetto check mark".

The New York Times

She won a prize.

The New York Times - Magazine

I won a prize for the thesis.

The New York Times

She won a prize for it.

The New Yorker

There it won a prize.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about contests or competitions, use "win a prize" to clearly indicate the possibility of receiving an award for success. Be sure to specify the prize to add clarity and appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "win a prize" when the reward is not tangible or clearly defined. Instead, consider using phrases like "achieve success" or "gain recognition" if the outcome is more abstract.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "win a prize" functions as a verb phrase where "win" is the verb and "a prize" is the direct object. Ludwig confirms this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "win a prize" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe obtaining an award or reward. Ludwig’s analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general media. While more formal alternatives like "secure a reward" or "obtain an award" exist, "win a prize" remains a versatile and readily understood option. As Ludwig highlights, it's essential to use the phrase when referring to tangible rewards, rather than abstract achievements, to ensure clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure a reward

Replaces "win" with "secure", emphasizing the effort or strategy involved in obtaining the prize.

obtain an award

Uses "obtain" and "award" to provide a more formal tone, suitable for official contexts.

receive recognition

Focuses on the acknowledgment aspect of winning, rather than the physical prize.

be awarded a trophy

Specifies the type of prize as a "trophy", suitable when referring to competitions or achievements.

claim victory

Emphasizes the act of winning itself, shifting focus from the prize to the achievement.

earn an honor

Highlights the meritorious aspect, where the reward is seen as a mark of distinction.

achieve success

Broadens the scope to general accomplishments, where the prize is a symbol of success.

attain a distinction

Emphasizes the attainment of a special status through winning.

capture the top spot

Focuses on achieving the highest rank or position, often implying a prize.

prevail and be rewarded

Combines the act of overcoming challenges with the subsequent receipt of a prize.

FAQs

How can I use "win a prize" in a sentence?

You can use "win a prize" to describe the act of receiving an award in a competition, lottery, or contest. For example, "Participants will have the chance to "win a prize" worth $1000".

What are some alternatives to saying "win a prize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "secure a reward", "obtain an award", or "receive recognition".

Is it grammatically correct to say "win a prize"?

Yes, "win a prize" is grammatically correct. "Win" is a verb, and "a prize" is a noun phrase serving as the object of the verb.

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

"Win a prize" typically implies success in a game of chance or competition, while "earn a prize" suggests that the prize was obtained through effort or merit.