"I watched the Olympics." vs "I watched Olympics"

Question

"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

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.

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 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.

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.

Answer 1

I watched the Olympics.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

I watched Olympics

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"I watched the Olympics." vs "I watched Olympics"

I watched the Olympics.

I watched Olympics

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