What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
contesting
Example
The two candidates are contesting the election results. [contesting: verb]
Example
There is some contesting among the team members about the best approach to the project. [contest: gerund or present participle]
competing
Example
The two companies are competing for the same market share. [competing: verb]
Example
The athletes are fiercely competing for the gold medal. [competing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Competing is more commonly used than contesting in everyday language. Competing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while contesting is less common and refers to more formal or legal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between contesting and competing?
Contesting is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, while competing can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.