Win means to come first in a contest or to get something for doing so (a match, a game, an election or a prize), while beat means to defeat someone (an opponent, a team or another player). After beat comes the person or team you defeated, and after win comes what you won: We beat Spain and won the cup.
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win + game/match/prize/election; win against + opponent; beat + person/team (+ score); win – won – won; beat – beat – beaten
- Our team won the pub quiz and got a free dinner for everyone.
- My younger brother beat me at chess for the first time last night.
- She won a scholarship to study in Edinburgh after a tough interview.
What changed
First versionIn the office football match, our team won the sales department 4–2.
RevisionIn the office football match, our team beat the sales department 4–2.
The sentence puts the opponent straight after won, but win is never followed by the person or team you defeated. To defeat an opponent, use beat: beat the sales department. You can also say won against the sales department.
Beat is also used about records: beat the world record means to do better than the world record. There is also an everyday phrase, beat the traffic: to leave early so you don't get stuck in traffic jams. Win doesn't work here: you beat a record, you don't win it.
Your turn
Marta ___ first prize in a photography contest with a photo of her grandmother's garden.
Show the answer
won — The gap is followed by first prize, which is what Marta got, not an opponent. You win a prize: won first prize. Beat needs the person or team you defeated.
Think of a game or competition you took part in. Say who you beat and what you won in the end.
At a board game night last month, I beat three friends at Monopoly and won a box of chocolates.
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