win first prize

USAGE SUMMARY

"win first prize" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as when you are describing an accomplishment or motivating someone to reach for their goals. For example, "I was determined to win first prize in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

In a Hollywood popularity contest, she would win first prize hands down".

The Guardian - Film

CECIL RHODES ONCE remarked that "to be born an Englishman is to win first prize in the lottery of life".

The Economist

I went on to win first prize in a short-story competition my mother and Prisoners Abroad had entered on my behalf while I was inside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's rare that Garry Kasparov fails to win first prize, but it happened in the Fujitsu Siemens Giants Tournament in Frankfurt, June 22 to June 25.

The New York Times

WHAT YOU SEE -- If this were a flower competition, the Web site would not win first prize for color or beauty.

The New York Times

LEANING against the fence of a stock pen, Danielle LeDoux of Poker City Ranch waits to see if her three 1,100lb (500kg) Gelbvieh bulls can win first prize.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He won first prize.

The New Yorker

It won first prize in the General News Singles.

The Guardian - Opinion

This hardware hack won first prize for best overall invention.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

VACU Scan won first prize in the President's Challenge.

Harvard University

She won first prize: the publication of her first book.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a specific achievement, use "win first prize" to clearly state your goal and motivate yourself or others.

Common error

Avoid using "earn first prize" when "win first prize" is appropriate. Earning typically refers to receiving something in return for labor or service, while winning implies success in a competition or contest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "win first prize" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of achieving the top award or honor in a competition or contest. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "win first prize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies achieving the highest honor in a competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears predominantly in News & Media and Academic contexts with a neutral register. Related phrases include "secure the top award" and "attain first place", offering alternative ways to express success. A key writing tip is to differentiate it from "earn", emphasizing competitive achievement rather than labor. Remember, aspiring to "win first prize" is not just about the reward, but the journey of dedication and skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attain first place

Emphasizes the achievement of reaching the highest ranking.

secure the top award

Focuses on the act of obtaining the award, implying a formal context.

grab the top spot

Suggests a competitive and assertive way of winning.

clinch the gold

Emphasizes winning with certainty and finality, often used in sports.

take home the trophy

Highlights the tangible reward of winning, adding a sense of accomplishment.

be declared the victor

Formal phrasing indicating an official announcement of victory.

emerge victorious

Stresses the overall victory and overcoming challenges.

gain the highest honor

Highlights the prestige and respect associated with winning.

be the champion

Focuses on the status and recognition of being the winner.

triumph over all

Implies a comprehensive victory, overcoming all competitors.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "win first prize" in a sentence?

You can use "win first prize" in sentences like: "She trained hard to "win first prize" in the competition", or "His goal is to "win first prize" at the science fair".

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

Alternatives include "secure the top award", "attain first place", or "clinch the gold", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "winning first prize"?

Yes, "winning first prize" is grammatically correct. It's a gerund phrase that can function as a noun, such as in the sentence: "Winning first prize was her greatest achievement".

What is the difference between "win first prize" and "take first place"?

"Win first prize" generally refers to winning a specific award or recognition. "Take first place" is more commonly used to indicate achieving the highest ranking in a competition or event, however, they can be interchangeably used.