won the medal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "won the medal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has achieved a victory in a competition, typically in sports or academic contests. Example: "After months of training, she finally won the medal at the national championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

France's Jonathan Lobert won the medal race to grab bronze from the Netherlands' Pieter-Jan Postma.

BBC

"He won the medal.

The New York Times - Sports

It's like Kenya won the medal".

The New York Times - Sports

No illustrator has yet won the medal three times.

The Guardian - Books

Last year, for example, Stephen King won the medal.

The New York Times - Books

MacArthur and Leonard Wood won the Medal of Honor.

The New York Times

She remains the only woman to have won the medal in wartime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Filipino-American also won the medal in World War II.

The New York Times

Last year Patrick Ness won the medal for the second year running with A Monster Calls.

The Guardian

While studying at the University of Technology in Sydney, she won the medal for computing sciences.

The Guardian

The United States won the medal count with 97 in all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "won the medal" when you want to clearly and concisely state that someone has achieved victory in a competition. It's straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses (e.g., "winned the medal") or inappropriate verbs (e.g., "gained the medal"). "Won" is the standard past tense of "win" and is the most appropriate choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won the medal" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the successful completion of a competition or achievement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. The verb "won" is in the past tense, showing that the action has already occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "won the medal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote success in a competition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its versatile usage across neutral to formal settings underscores its widespread acceptance. Alternative phrases, such as "received the medal" or "earned the medal", can add nuance depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding common errors, like using incorrect verb tenses, helps refine your writing. With its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC, mastering the use of "won the medal" enhances clarity and precision in expressing achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured the medal

Highlights the competitive aspect and the effort to ensure victory.

claimed the medal

Implies a definitive victory and ownership of the award.

earned the medal

Emphasizes the effort and deservingness of the achievement.

captured the medal

Suggests a triumphant and forceful victory.

received the medal

Focuses on the act of receiving the award, rather than the achievement itself.

emerged victorious and won the medal

Highlights the emergence of the person as a winner.

took home the medal

Emphasizes the conclusion of the competition and the return with the prize.

was awarded the medal

Shifts focus to the awarding process rather than personal achievement.

triumphed and got the medal

Highlights not only the event but also the person's moment of glory.

achieved victory and the medal

Emphasizes the win as well as the act of achieving the victory.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "won the medal"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "was awarded the medal" or "received the medal". These options emphasize the act of being honored.

How can I emphasize the effort involved in winning?

To highlight the effort and deservingness, you might say "earned the medal" or "secured the medal". These options imply hard work and dedication.

What other verbs can I use instead of "won"?

Alternatives include "claimed", "captured", or "took home". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "won the medal"?

The phrase "won the medal" is generally correct and widely accepted. However, ensure the context is appropriate. For example, it might not be suitable in highly technical or academic writing where a more precise term is required.