a sporting spirit vs the sporting spirit

Both "a sporting spirit" and "the sporting spirit" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A sporting spirit" is used to refer to a general attitude or mindset of fairness, respect, and good sportsmanship. On the other hand, "the sporting spirit" is used to refer to a specific, well-known concept or idea of sportsmanship.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 838 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a general attitude of fairness, respect, and good sportsmanship.

"a sporting spirit"

This phrase is used to describe someone's attitude or behavior in a sports context, emphasizing qualities like fairness, respect, and good sportsmanship.

Examples:

She displayed a sporting spirit by congratulating her opponent after the match.
Having a sporting spirit is essential in competitive sports.
He always maintains a sporting spirit, win or lose.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mrs Oomen-Ruijten, I think that if we start debating about a sporting spirit in this House, we will run into major problems about who is and who is not sporting, and why.
The Olympic idea is based on the purity of a sporting spirit and this spirit most certainly does not go together with the silence of other countries during the Olympics about the fact that the organising country brutally suppresses the rights of the Tibetan people.
It's down to lack of sporting spirit.
If money alone determines football, then Europe's most popular cultural asset will lose its defining characteristic: its sporting spirit.
And such spirit is deserving Of a sporting chance.
Booing is the appropriate way to show displeasure at a sporting event.
Time now for a bit of a sporting departure.
We traced a serial number to a sporting goods store Where you purchased your...
- I'll make you a sporting offer.
I ordered it from a sporting-goods catalogue.
Just giving the other teams a sporting chance.
Nobody in Fractured Jaw ever heard of a sporting thing.
Lastly, the organisation of horse races also had a sporting dimension.
He has to give us a sporting chance.
When we were at Yale together, he'd been a sporting star.
We bet on a sporting event.
They were at a sporting event of a... sorts.
They were at a sporting event of sorts.
Josh was caught coming out of a sporting-goods store.
He was probably at a sporting event and saw some people pushing each other.

Alternatives:

a sportsmanlike attitude
a fair play mindset
good sportsmanship

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a specific concept or idea of sportsmanship.

"the sporting spirit"

This phrase is used to refer to a well-known concept or idea of sportsmanship, emphasizing the values and principles associated with fair play and respect in sports.

Examples:

The team demonstrated the sporting spirit by helping their opponents in need.
He embodies the true essence of the sporting spirit.
The sporting spirit of the Olympics promotes unity and fair competition.

Show examples from the web [+]

The Olympic idea is based on the purity of a sporting spirit and this spirit most certainly does not go together with the silence of other countries during the Olympics about the fact that the organising country brutally suppresses the rights of the Tibetan people.
It's down to lack of sporting spirit.
If money alone determines football, then Europe's most popular cultural asset will lose its defining characteristic: its sporting spirit.
Mrs Oomen-Ruijten, I think that if we start debating about a sporting spirit in this House, we will run into major problems about who is and who is not sporting, and why.
Much better than the sporting goods store.
Nicola often exceeds the sporting gesture... by sending only 1 killer to defend his crown...
Much better than the sporting goods store.
An example from the sporting world comes to mind.
The guy at the sporting goods store said these are what fishermen wear.
But Al's more the sporting hero.
Punk was riding a skateboard stolen from the sporting-goods store.
I don't really keep up with the sporting world anymore.
They are also concerned about the greed of many of the sporting organizations involved here.
The report rightly draws attention to negative phenomena in the sporting world.
In this era of commercialisation and professionalism, agents are unavoidable aspects of the sporting landscape.
This time the sporting event is being held here in the European Union.
Much better than the sporting goods store.
The highlight of the sporting season in Shutka is the announcement of the Turkish music champion.
Must be he's getting an advance on one of the sporting ladies.
It is also a form of cheating that is contrary to the sporting ethic.

Alternatives:

the essence of sportsmanship
the true spirit of fair play
the core values of sportsmanship

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a sporting spirit vs the sporting spirit