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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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What a match

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"what a match" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English
It is typically used to express surprise, excitement, or admiration for a particularly good or impressive event, situation, or performance. Example: "What a match that was! Both teams played with incredible skill and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

What a match!

News & Media

The New York Times

"What a match point, unbelievable," Djokovic said.

"What a match it is," Tomic said.

What a match he's having.

Madre mía, what a match!

What a match; what a game.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

What a match-up it would have made, had they not been born 10 years apart.

What a stunning match.

What a crazy match.

And what a pulsating match it was.

What a brilliant match it's been.

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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "what a match" to express genuine excitement or admiration for a particularly impressive game, competition, or pairing. Ensure your tone reflects this enthusiasm.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "what a match" in contexts where a neutral or objective tone is required. Its exclamatory nature is best suited for expressing subjective excitement or praise.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "what a match" is to serve as an exclamation. Ludwig's examples show it's commonly used to express enthusiasm or admiration for a noteworthy event, often in sports or competitions. This phrase acts as a concise expression of strong positive sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

11%

⚠ Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a match" is a common and correct exclamatory phrase used to express excitement or admiration, predominantly in news and sports contexts. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. While versatile, it's best suited for informal settings where expressing enthusiasm is appropriate. Alternatives like "what a game" or "what a spectacle" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context. Remember to use it when genuine excitement is warranted, avoiding overuse in neutral or formal writing.

FAQs

How can I use "what a match" in a sentence?

"What a match" is typically used as an exclamation to express excitement or admiration for an impressive game, competition, or pairing. For example, "What a match that was! Both teams played incredibly well."

What can I say instead of "what a match"?

You can use alternatives like "what a game", "what a contest", or "what a spectacle" depending on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "what a match" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "what a match" is generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or objective language to describe the event or situation.

What's the difference between "what a match" and "what a game"?

Both phrases express excitement or admiration, but "what a game" is specifically used when referring to a game, while "what a match" can be used more broadly to describe any impressive competition, pairing, or event.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: