In 15 Seconds
- Officially signing up for a contest or prize-based event.
- Used for sports, arts, academic, or professional challenges.
- Implies taking the first step to become a participant.
Meaning
This phrase means you are officially signing up for a contest or a race. It is the act of putting your name on the list to try and win a prize.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend
You are such a good cook, you should enter the competition!
You are such a good cook, you should join the contest!
A professional announcement
Our firm has decided to enter the design competition this year.
Our firm has decided to join the design contest this year.
Texting a sibling
I just entered a competition to win a free trip to Hawaii!
I just joined a contest to win a free trip to Hawaii!
Cultural Background
In the US, 'entering a competition' is often linked to the 'American Dream'—the idea that anyone can win if they work hard enough. Reality TV shows like 'American Idol' have made this phrase part of daily life. The British often use the phrase 'It's the taking part that counts.' While they 'enter competitions' just as much, there is a cultural emphasis on sportsmanship and 'having a go' even if you don't win. Competitions (especially academic ones) are extremely high-stakes. 'Entering a competition' often requires months or years of intense preparation in specialized academies called 'hagwons.' On platforms like Instagram, 'entering a competition' has become a social currency. It's a way for brands to engage users, and for users to feel a sense of community and luck.
Use the right article
Use 'the' if you are talking about a specific competition everyone knows about. Use 'a' if it's just one of many.
No 'to' needed
Remember: You enter the competition, you don't enter 'to' it.
In 15 Seconds
- Officially signing up for a contest or prize-based event.
- Used for sports, arts, academic, or professional challenges.
- Implies taking the first step to become a participant.
What It Means
To enter a competition is to join a game or contest. You are moving from being a spectator to a participant. It usually involves filling out a form or paying a fee. Think of it as crossing a doorway into a challenge. You are now officially in the running to win.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about organized events. Use it with sports, art contests, or even business awards. It works perfectly with the verb to decide. For example, "I decided to enter the competition last night." You can also use it in the past tense as entered. It sounds natural and active. It shows you are taking a brave step forward.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about your hobbies. Tell your friends if you join a bake-off. Use it at work if your company joins an industry award. It is great for school or university settings too. If you see a poster for a talent show, this is your phrase. It works well in texts, emails, and face-to-face chats.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for casual games with friends. You don't enter a competition for a quick game of cards. That is just playing a game. Avoid it for job interviews. You apply for a job, you don't enter it like a race. Also, don't use it for arguments. If you are fighting with a sibling, that is a conflict, not an entered competition. Keep it for organized events with clear rules.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, there is a huge "give it a go" attitude. People love the idea of the underdog entering a big contest. From local village flower shows to huge TV shows like 'X Factor'. The phrase carries a sense of ambition and fun. It is often seen as a brave first step toward a dream. There is a famous saying: "You have to be in it to win it!"
Common Variations
You might hear people say enter a contest or sign up for a race. In the UK, people might put their name down for something. In the US, joining a tournament is very common. Submit an entry is a more formal way to say the same thing. All of these mean you are ready to compete!
Usage Notes
This is a standard collocation. Using 'enter' instead of 'join' or 'make' will make you sound much more like a native speaker. It is safe for all audiences.
Use the right article
Use 'the' if you are talking about a specific competition everyone knows about. Use 'a' if it's just one of many.
No 'to' needed
Remember: You enter the competition, you don't enter 'to' it.
Business English
In business, use 'enter the competition' to sound more strategic than just 'starting a business'.
Social Media
When you see 'Enter to win' on social media, it's a shortened version of 'Enter the competition to win'.
Examples
6You are such a good cook, you should enter the competition!
You are such a good cook, you should join the contest!
Used here to suggest someone has the talent to win.
Our firm has decided to enter the design competition this year.
Our firm has decided to join the design contest this year.
Shows a formal business decision to participate.
I just entered a competition to win a free trip to Hawaii!
I just joined a contest to win a free trip to Hawaii!
Excited tone about a low-effort sweepstakes entry.
I accidentally entered a hot dog eating competition thinking it was a free lunch.
I accidentally joined a hot dog contest thinking it was a free lunch.
Uses the phrase to highlight a humorous mistake.
I remember the first time I entered a competition; I was so nervous.
I remember the first time I joined a contest; I was so nervous.
Focuses on the emotional weight of participating.
How many people have entered the competition so far?
How many people have joined the contest so far?
Asking about the number of participants.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'enter a competition'.
Last year, my sister ________ and won a trip to Hawaii!
We use the past simple 'entered' because the sentence refers to 'Last year'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'Enter' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition like 'to' or 'in'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Are you going to ________ for the best new startup? B: Yes, I'm filling out the application now.
'Enter the competition' is the most natural collocation for a formal application process.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a business context best?
'Market share' is a professional business term often paired with 'entering the competition'.
Match the verb with the correct noun phrase.
Match them up:
While you can win or join a competition, 'enter' is the specific collocation for registration.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Enter vs. Join vs. Participate
Common Objects for 'Enter'
Events
- • Marathon
- • Tournament
- • Race
Contests
- • Bake-off
- • Talent show
- • Giveaway
Practice Bank
5 exercisesLast year, my sister ________ and won a trip to Hawaii!
We use the past simple 'entered' because the sentence refers to 'Last year'.
Choose the best option:
'Enter' is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition like 'to' or 'in'.
A: Are you going to ________ for the best new startup? B: Yes, I'm filling out the application now.
'Enter the competition' is the most natural collocation for a formal application process.
Which phrase fits a business context best?
'Market share' is a professional business term often paired with 'entering the competition'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While you can win or join a competition, 'enter' is the specific collocation for registration.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's better to avoid 'in'. Just say 'enter a competition'. It sounds much more natural to native speakers.
They are very similar. A 'competition' often feels more formal or long-term (like a league), while a 'contest' can be a one-time event (like a beauty contest).
Usually, it's just 'enter a competition'. You might 'enter for a prize', but you 'enter the competition' itself.
Yes! You can say 'I am entering the competition for the managerial role.' It sounds very professional.
'Signing up' is more informal. You sign up for a class, but you enter a competition.
'Entry' is the noun form. It can mean the form you fill out or the person who has joined.
You can say 'I'm doing a contest' or 'I'm in for the prize.'
Yes, companies enter competitions for contracts, awards, or market share all the time.
It's a competition that anyone can enter, regardless of their skill level or background.
Usually, you 'play' the lottery or 'buy a ticket' for the lottery, but you can 'enter a sweepstakes'.
The past tense is 'entered'. For example: 'I entered the competition yesterday.'
Yes, if you accidentally click a button or sign a form, you can say you entered by mistake.
Related Phrases
Sign up for
similarTo put your name on a list.
Participate in
similarTo take part in an activity.
Withdraw from a competition
contrastTo remove your name from a contest.
Compete against
builds onTo try to be better than someone else.
Entry fee
specialized formThe money you pay to enter.
