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Newguest Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

(the) first prize

Hi

Lisa went in for the competition and won first prize.

Why don't we use "the" before "first prize" here?
  

Top answer

First prize means the same as first place. Lisa went in for the competition and won first place. If you use the definite article the it changes the meaning of the sentence, and implies that she won the first prize that was given out but not necessarily first place in the competition.

— Canderson

  • First prize means the same as first place.
  • Lisa went in for the competition and won first place.
  • If you use the definite article the it changes the meaning of the sentence, and implies that she won the first prize that was given out but not necessarily first place in the competition.
  • Lisa went in for the competition and won the first prize.
  • Hope this helps, Chris
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8 Answers
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First prize means the same as first place.

Lisa went in for the competition and won first place.

If you use the definite article the it changes the meaning of the sentence, and implies that she won the first prize that was given out but not necessarily first place in the competition.

Lisa went in for the competition and won the first prize.
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NewguestLisa went in for the competition and won first prize.
Why don't we use "the" before "first prize" here?
Actually, you can add 'the' if you want.

CJ
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CalifJimActually, you can add 'the' if you want. CJ
But that will change the meaning?
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NewguestBut that will change the meaning?
No. Not for me. They sound the same to me.

With "the" there is more of a pointing out the actual thing that was awarded as the prize, for example, a trophy cup. Without "the" there is more of a general idea of being the best of all the competitors regardless of what the prize was.

But when you add
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So if I said:

They finished in the second place in the competition.
They finished in second place in the competition.

it would mean the same and would be OK?
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Newguestit would mean the same and would be OK?
Sorry. No.

A prize is a physical object. You can say 'won the first prize', 'won the second prize', and so on.

A place is not a physical object. 'place' is only used to state the ranking order. You can only say ' in first place', 'in second place', and so on.

CJ
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All right. Thank you!
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Can first prize not be a ranking order as well?

First Prize - Paid vacation to Timbuktu

Second Prize - $400 shopping spree at Target

Third Prize - Dinner for two at Chili's

What if you said:

The company award
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