a candidate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a candidate for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is being considered for something. For example, "John is a candidate for the job of town mayor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're a candidate for governor!

The New York Times

Take a candidate for something.

The New Yorker

"I'm not a candidate for anything".

The New York Times

And this is a candidate for president.

The New York Times

Could she be a candidate for E.M.D.R. ?

The New York Times

Nor to be a candidate for office.

The New York Times

a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.

The New York Times

The latter was a candidate for consul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A candidate for resurrection.

The New Yorker

A candidate for the M.Phil.

Columbia University

I'm a candidate for Governor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a candidate for" when you want to express that someone or something is being considered or is suitable for a particular role, position, or treatment. Be clear about what they are a candidate for.

Common error

Avoid using "a candidate for" when you simply mean something is possible or likely. "Candidate" implies an active evaluation or selection process. Instead use alternatives such as "potential" or "likely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a candidate for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating someone or something is being considered or is suitable for a particular role, position, or treatment. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a candidate for" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone or something is being considered for a specific role, position, or treatment. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. The phrase's purpose is to express potential, suitability, or eligibility. To avoid misuse, ensure there is an active evaluation process involved. Alternatives such as "a contender for" or "suitable for" may be appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contender for

Suggests active competition or rivalry for a position or opportunity.

an applicant for

Specifically refers to someone who has formally applied for a position or opportunity.

a nominee for

Implies a formal selection process, often in the context of awards or elections.

eligible for

Highlights the fulfillment of certain requirements or qualifications.

suitable for

Emphasizes the appropriateness or fitness of someone or something for a particular role or purpose.

a prospect for

Suggests a potential or likely candidate, often in a positive light.

in the running for

Indicates active participation and consideration in a selection process.

being considered for

Formally expresses the act of evaluating someone or something for a role or purpose.

a possibility for

Highlights the potential or chance of someone or something being selected or used.

a choice for

Suggests a deliberate selection from a set of options.

FAQs

How do I use "a candidate for" in a sentence?

Use "a candidate for" to indicate someone or something being considered or suitable for a specific role or purpose. For example, "She is "a candidate for" the position of CEO" or "This approach is "a candidate for" further research".

What are some alternatives to "a candidate for"?

Alternatives include "a contender for", "an applicant for", "eligible for", or "suitable for", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what someone is a candidate for?

Yes, it's important to specify what someone or something is a candidate for to provide context and meaning. Saying "She is a candidate" is incomplete without stating what she is a candidate for.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a candidate for"?

It's inappropriate to use "a candidate for" if there isn't an actual selection process or a consideration of suitability. Avoid using it to simply mean something is "possible" or "likely" without a context of evaluation.