won the contest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'won the contest' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when talking about someone who was successful in a competition. For example, "John won the contest and was awarded a prize".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he won the contest.

The New Yorker

Brooks won the contest.

The New York Times - Arts

Peak won the contest to loud applause.

The New York Times - Sports

A telephone bidder won the contest.

The New York Times - Arts

Debbie Weuve, Miss Marshall County, won the contest.

The New Yorker

Soon the foundation had won the contest.

The New York Times

The Rangers won the contest, 2 -1.

The New York Times

I've won the contest many, many times.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Atwell's block has won the contest twice.

The New York Times

(Mr. Allen won the contest, but not the publicity war).

The New York Times - Arts

It won the contest in a single move.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a competition, provide specific details about the nature of the contest and the criteria for winning. This adds context and makes the achievement more meaningful for the reader.

Common error

Avoid repetitive phrasing by using synonyms like "triumphed", "prevailed", or "emerged victorious" to add variety to your writing. Refer to Ludwig for inspiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won the contest" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the successful completion of a competition. It asserts that someone has achieved victory. Ludwig provides numerous examples confirming its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "won the contest" is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively communicates the successful outcome of a competition. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating its suitability for general reporting. While many alternatives exist, such as "triumphed in the competition" or "prevailed in the contest", the directness of "won the contest" makes it a versatile choice. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, making it a reliable option for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

triumphed in the competition

Substitutes "won" with a stronger verb, highlighting a significant victory.

prevailed in the contest

Uses a more sophisticated verb than "won", implying overcoming challenges to achieve victory.

achieved first place in the contest

A more descriptive phrase that highlights the specific achievement of getting first place.

emerged victorious in the competition

Replaces "won" with a more formal and descriptive verb phrase, emphasizing the process of achieving victory.

secured victory in the contest

Replaces "won" with a more formal expression, emphasizing the act of obtaining victory.

clinched the top spot in the contest

Focuses on the act of securing the highest position in the competition.

came out on top in the contest

Offers an idiomatic alternative to "won", focusing on the final result of being the best.

took first prize in the contest

Emphasizes the act of receiving the primary reward for winning.

was the victor in the contest

Changes the structure to use "victor" as a noun, highlighting the winner.

carried off the prize in the contest

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the reward or prize obtained by winning.

FAQs

How can I use "won the contest" in a sentence?

You can use "won the contest" to describe someone's success in a competition. For example, "She "won the contest" with her innovative design."

What are some alternatives to "won the contest"?

You can use alternatives like "triumphed in the competition", "prevailed in the contest", or "emerged victorious" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "won the contest"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Won" is the past tense of "win", and it correctly describes the act of achieving victory in a competition or contest.

What is the difference between "won the contest" and "won the competition"?

The phrases "won the contest" and "won the competition" are nearly synonymous and often interchangeable. The choice between them depends on the specific event; "contest" may imply a smaller or less formal event than "competition".