win prize
يفوز بجائزة
Use it to describe getting a reward for success in a competition or game.
In 15 Seconds
- Receiving a reward for being the best or luckiest.
- Commonly used in sports, contests, and games of chance.
- Requires 'a' or 'the' before the word 'prize'.
Meaning
This phrase means you were the best in a competition or a lucky winner in a game. It means you earned a reward, like a trophy, money, or a gift, because you succeeded.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a school science fair
I worked so hard to win a prize for my volcano project.
I worked so hard to win a prize for my volcano project.
Formal awards ceremony
She was honored to win the first prize in the national essay contest.
She was honored to win the first prize in the national essay contest.
Texting a friend about a raffle
OMG! I just won a prize at the local fair!
OMG! I just won a prize at the local fair!
Cultural Background
The concept of winning a prize is deeply rooted in the Western love for competition and public recognition. While some cultures value humility, English-speaking cultures often celebrate winners with ceremonies, trophies, and public announcements to boost morale and status.
The 'First' Rule
If you are the absolute winner, say `win first prize`. It sounds much more impressive than just `a prize`!
Don't 'Earn' a Prize
While you work hard, we rarely say `earn a prize`. We almost always use the verb `win` for competitions.
In 15 Seconds
- Receiving a reward for being the best or luckiest.
- Commonly used in sports, contests, and games of chance.
- Requires 'a' or 'the' before the word 'prize'.
What It Means
To win [a] prize is to be rewarded for excellence or luck. It is the moment you reach the top spot. You might get a gold medal or a gift card. It feels like a celebration of your hard work. It is simple, positive, and always exciting.
How To Use It
You usually place an article like a or the before the word prize. For example, you can say, "I hope to win a prize today." You can also specify the type of reward. You might win first prize or win the grand prize. Use it when talking about sports, school contests, or office raffles. Just remember to sound happy when you say it!
When To Use It
Use this when you are at a carnival playing games. Use it when your friend enters a photography contest. It is perfect for professional settings too, like an awards ceremony. You can text it to your mom after a bingo game. It works whenever a reward is involved. Even a small plastic trophy counts as a prize!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things you earn through a regular salary. You don't win a prize for doing your basic job tasks. That is just getting paid. Also, avoid using it for abstract things like love or friendship. You win someone's heart, but you don't win a prize (unless you are being very sarcastic). Nobody likes to be called a "prize" in a mean way.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, winning is often tied to the "American Dream" or meritocracy. We love the idea of a "fair fight" where the best person wins. From a young age, kids get "participation prizes" just for trying. This is a bit controversial now, but the phrase remains powerful. Winning the Nobel Prize or an Oscar is the ultimate dream for many.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say take home the prize. This sounds more dramatic and physical. Another common one is claim the prize. This sounds like you are officially taking what belongs to you. If someone is very lucky, you might say they hit the jackpot. But win a prize is the most common and reliable version.
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral phrase. It works in almost any situation from a playground to a laboratory. Just remember to use the correct article ('a' or 'the').
The 'First' Rule
If you are the absolute winner, say `win first prize`. It sounds much more impressive than just `a prize`!
Don't 'Earn' a Prize
While you work hard, we rarely say `earn a prize`. We almost always use the verb `win` for competitions.
Consolation Prizes
In the US and UK, if you lose but get a small gift anyway, it's called a `consolation prize`. It's a way to be polite to losers!
Examples
6I worked so hard to win a prize for my volcano project.
I worked so hard to win a prize for my volcano project.
Shows effort leading to a reward.
She was honored to win the first prize in the national essay contest.
She was honored to win the first prize in the national essay contest.
Uses 'the' for a specific, prestigious award.
OMG! I just won a prize at the local fair!
OMG! I just won a prize at the local fair!
Informal and enthusiastic.
What do you want, to win a prize for cleaning your own room?
What do you want, to win a prize for cleaning your own room?
Humorous use for doing something basic.
Every child who finishes the race will win a prize.
Every child who finishes the race will win a prize.
Refers to participation rewards.
The team that hits the target first will win a prize.
The team that hits the target first will win a prize.
Used as an incentive in a professional setting.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
If you answer all the questions correctly, you might ___ a prize.
In English, we 'win' prizes; we don't 'make' or 'do' them.
Select the most natural article.
He was surprised to win ___ prize for his cooking.
'Prize' starts with a consonant sound, so we use 'a'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Win a Prize'
Winning a small game with friends.
I won a prize in the raffle!
General conversation about contests.
Did you win a prize at the fair?
Official announcements or ceremonies.
The candidate was selected to win the prize.
Where to use 'Win a Prize'
Sports
Win a prize for the marathon.
Arcades
Win a prize at the claw machine.
Education
Win a prize for the spelling bee.
Lottery
Win a prize in the sweepstakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but win a prize is more common for competitions. A gift is usually something given for a birthday or holiday without a contest.
Use a prize if it is one of many rewards. Use the prize if there is only one specific reward everyone is fighting for.
Yes! You can say, "I hope to win a prize in the lottery tonight." It works for luck-based games too.
It is better to use awarded on a resume. Instead of "I won a prize," write "Awarded first place in the marketing competition."
This is a funny term for a prize given to the person who finishes last. It is usually a joke gift, like a giant lemon.
Only if you are being sarcastic. For example, if your partner is acting difficult, you might say, "You really win a prize for being annoying today!"
A prize is often something physical like money or a toy. An award is usually more formal, like a certificate or a title.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. You must say win a prize or win the prize.
A reward is often given for finding something lost or helping the police. A prize is specifically for winning a game or contest.
The past tense is won. You would say, "I won a prize yesterday at the school fair."
Related Phrases
Take the trophy
To win the highest honor in a sports competition.
Walk away with
To win something easily and leave with it.
Runner-up
The person who finishes in second place.
Grand prize
The biggest and most valuable reward in a contest.
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