win a competition

Meaning

This phrase means to achieve first place or be declared the victor in a contest, race, or match. It is used in daily conversations when talking about sports, school contests, art events, or online giveaways.

Examples

• She trained for months hoping to win a competition in gymnastics.

  She trained for months hoping to win a competition in gymnastics.

• Did you hear that Sarah managed to win a photography competition?

  Did you hear that Sarah managed to win a photography competition?

• If you win the competition, you get a free trip to New York.

  If you win the competition, you get a free trip to New York.

• He never expected to win a competition with his very first short story.

  He never expected to win a competition with his very first short story.

• They entered the talent show just for fun, never dreaming they would win the competition.

  They entered the talent show just for fun, never dreaming they would win the competition.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He gained a competition last week.

  ✓ He won a competition last week.

  We use the verb 'win' (past tense 'won') for contests, games, and prizes, not 'gain' or 'earn'.

• ✗ I want to win in a competition.

  ✓ I want to win a competition.

  The verb 'win' is transitive here; you win the competition directly, without the preposition 'in'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• She was so excited to ___ and take home the gold medal.

  💡 achieve first place in a contest

  Show answer

  win a competition

• What would you do if you were to ___ and receive ten thousand dollars?

  💡 be the victor of a contest

  Show answer

  win a competition