I watched the Olympics. vs I watched Olympics

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I watched the Olympics." is the more common and natural way to express that you watched a specific instance of the Olympics, like the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. On the other hand, "I watched Olympics." can be used in a more general sense to refer to watching Olympic events in general without specifying a particular year or location.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 847 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I watched the Olympics."

This phrase is used when referring to watching a specific instance of the Olympics, such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The definite article 'the' is necessary before 'Olympics' in this context.

Examples:

I watched the Olympics last night.
She is a big fan of the Olympics.
They are broadcasting the Olympics live.
He won a gold medal at the Olympics.
We are planning to attend the Olympics next year.

Show examples from the web [+]

I watched the sheriff build this house.
I watched the Malaysian Grand Prix today.
I watched the tape and no one stole anything.
Also, I watched the finale of Glee.
Sunbae-nim, I watched the awards.
I watched the South Carolina one again.
I watched the video of your interview with John Bowden.
Then I watched the company lie to you.
I watched the video of our wedding.
I watched the press conference this morning.
I watched the world die, Ramse... everyone.
And I watched the life drain from her body.
I watched the video, too.
I watched the Bronx die from what this idiot judge is trying to shove down our throats.
I watched the tape, Em.
I watched the video Of stokes getting blown out of the airlock.
I watched the couple that raised me explode in a van.
I watched the video at least 10 times.
I watched the sun come up with David.
I mean, I watched the Scribbler build it.

Alternatives:

I watched the 2020 Olympics.
I watched the Winter Olympics.
I watched the Summer Olympics.
I watched the Beijing Olympics.
I watched the Rio Olympics.

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"I watched Olympics"

This phrase is used in a more general sense to refer to watching Olympic events in general without specifying a particular year or location. The definite article 'the' is omitted in this context.

Examples:

I enjoy watching Olympics.
She has been following Olympics for years.
They are showing Olympics on TV.
He dreams of competing in Olympics.
We like to watch Olympics together.

Show examples from the web [+]

Have you watched the Olympics with me?
We got a bite to eat and watched some Olympic training videos back at his place.
I watched you spill innocent blood.
I watched a guy do laundry all night.
I watched your teenage... vampire movie.
My friends played. I watched.
I watched the sheriff build this house.
I watched the Malaysian Grand Prix today.
And I watched his hands closely.
I watched Signs again last night...
I watched your body fall 40 stories.
I watched my son pacing the room.
I watched another bride marry my fiance.
I watched the ball fly, and I watched it fade.
I watched you work me over. I watched your eyes.
I watched you go down... just as I watched her a year ago.
Primarily, I watched her back, till this happened.
I mean, I watched this disease devour my grandfather.
I watched him become a leader.
So, I watched Star Trek II last night.

Alternatives:

I enjoy watching the Olympics.
She has been following the Olympics for years.
They are showing the Olympics on TV.
He dreams of competing in the Olympics.
We like to watch the Olympics together.

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I watched the Olympics. vs I watched Olympics