won third prize

USAGE SUMMARY

"won third prize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which somebody received an award or recognition, such as winning a competition. For example: "John proudly accepted his trophy after he won third prize in the local chess tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Mr Eckardstein won third prize only.

The Economist

Mr. Shaal won third prize in the arts and entertainment category.

The New York Times

She won third prize in the Tolteca competition, reportedly with the most abstract composition of all.

The New York Times - Arts

Both are on horseback at the East Hampton Horse Show in 1935, where they won third prize in a family competition.

The New York Times

I was saved the first time from financial ruin by a stroke of luck — I entered a piano competition, in London, and won third prize.

The New Yorker

By Jeremy Denk I was saved the first time from financial ruin by a stroke of luck—I entered a piano competition, in London, and won third prize.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Yick won third prize--a sum of $1500--for his efforts.

Science Magazine

He won first prize.

The New Yorker

He won second prize in German.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

In April 1958, he won first prize at the Moscow National Classical Ballet Contest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting results, use "won third prize" to clearly and concisely state the achievement of a third-place award. It is easily understood and widely accepted.

Common error

While winning any prize is an accomplishment, avoid exaggerating the importance of "won third prize". Maintain a balanced perspective when discussing the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won third prize" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the action (winning) and the specific achievement (third prize). Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, affirming its grammatical correctness and common application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "won third prize" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe achieving third place in a competition or contest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a straightforward and widely accepted way to report this particular accomplishment. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying the context of the achievement and maintaining a balanced perspective on its significance. Alternatives such as "achieved third place" or "received the bronze medal" can provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was awarded third prize

Highlights the act of being given the prize.

secured third prize

Implies a successful effort to obtain the third prize.

obtained third prize

Focuses on the acquisition of the third prize.

achieved third place

Focuses on the accomplishment of reaching the third position.

emerged as third-place winner

Emphasizes the outcome of a competition, framing the person as a winner.

finished in third position

Highlights the final ranking in a competition or event.

ranked third

Directly indicates the achieved ranking.

placed third

A simple and direct way to state the final position.

received the bronze medal

This alternative emphasizes the physical award associated with third place.

came in third

A more informal way of expressing the same outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "won third prize" in a sentence?

You can use "won third prize" to describe someone's achievement in a competition or contest. For example, "She "won third prize" for her painting in the local art competition."

What are some alternatives to saying "won third prize"?

Alternatives include "achieved third place", "finished in third position", or "received the bronze medal", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "win third prize" instead of "won third prize"?

No, "win third prize" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a past event. The correct form is ""won third prize"", using the past tense of "win".

What is the difference between "won third prize" and "won first prize"?

"Won third prize" indicates that someone finished in third place, while "won first prize" means they achieved the top position.