won a place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "won a place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone successfully securing a position or opportunity, such as in a competition, program, or institution. Example: "After months of preparation, she finally won a place in the prestigious art program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She won a place and loved every second.

The Guardian

After leaving school, he won a place at Howard University in Washington.

Independent

In 1936 he won a place in the Olympic 5,000 metres team.

Independent

"If this young man won a place at Balliol, he got in on his merits".

The New York Times

The first student from the course has only recently won a place.

The Economist

Those A-level pupils who haven't won a place in higher education should not despair.

The Guardian

When universities reopened, Li won a place at Peking University in the fiercely contested entrance exams.

The Guardian

Siobhan won a place at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she obtained a degree in classics.

The Guardian

He won a place at New York University, where he fell in love with the craft.

The Guardian - Film

I decided I needed to give acting a try and won a place at Rada.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lord Strathclyde said one of his colleagues Lord Trenchard had not won a place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "won a place" to indicate that someone has successfully secured a position, opportunity, or honor through effort or competition. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, conveying a sense of achievement.

Common error

While "won a place" is versatile, it can sound slightly less formal in some professional settings. In highly formal documents, consider alternatives like "secured a position" or "obtained entry" to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won a place" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful attainment of a position or opportunity. As shown in Ludwig, it is often used to describe someone's achievement in securing something desirable. The auxiliary verb "won" denotes accomplishment, while "a place" specifies the object of that achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "won a place" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the successful attainment of a position, opportunity, or honor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is generally suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's wise to consider slightly more formal alternatives like "secured a position" in professional documents. Remember, the key is to convey the sense of achievement and success in gaining access to something desirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earned a spot

Stresses the idea that the place was deserved through effort or merit.

secured a spot

Focuses on the act of successfully reserving or obtaining a specific spot or position.

was selected for

Highlights the aspect of being chosen from a group.

picked up a spot

Similar to “secured a spot”, this expression is slightly less formal.

gained entry

Highlights the act of being admitted or allowed to enter a particular program or institution.

succeeded in gaining

More formal and emphasizes the success in obtaining something after effort.

obtained a position

Emphasizes the achievement of getting a formal position or role.

clinched a position

Suggests a decisive or competitive victory in securing the place.

qualified for a position

Highlights meeting the necessary criteria to be eligible for something.

achieved qualification

Focuses on reaching the required standard or level.

FAQs

What does "won a place" mean?

The phrase "won a place" means that someone has successfully secured a position, opportunity, or spot, often through competition or effort. It indicates achievement and success in gaining access to something desirable.

How can I use "won a place" in a sentence?

You can use "won a place" to describe someone's success in getting into a program, team, or competition. For example, "She "secured a spot"/ in the national team after winning the trials".

What are some alternatives to "won a place"?

Alternatives to "won a place" include phrases like "gained entry", "obtained a position", or "earned a spot", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is "won a place" formal or informal?

"Won a place" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in extremely formal or professional settings, using alternatives like "secured a position" or "achieved qualification" might be more appropriate.