a close contender for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close contender for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items, indicating that one is nearly as good or successful as another. Example: "In the race for the best smartphone of the year, the new model is a close contender for the title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He also recalled that Mr. Keller "was a close contender for this job last time around".

The New York Times

Gone Home, which has already won several awards, seems to have been a close contender for the prize.

The Guardian - Tech

If there was a competition for one photo embodying the Conservatives' approach towards those wishing to settle in the UK, then David Cameron and Theresa May's 2015 PR stunt - raiding the homes of suspected illegal immigrants - is a close contender for first place.

Independent

Ron Paul is not even a close contender for the Republican presidential nomination, but he disproportionately dominates Twitter discussion, as do other fiercely libertarian stories.

TechCrunch

I stand by my declaration that the One is the best Android smartphone currently available, but Samsung's GS5 is a close contender for the crown.

TechCrunch

"It's an appalling situation," says Rebiya Kadeer, a Uighur exile in Washington, D.C., whose peaceful agitation against Chinese rule made her a close contender for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In some towns her rival, who elsewhere was a close contender, secured precisely no votes.

The Economist

"America the Beautiful" was a close contender to be the national anthem.

Huffington Post

An hour in his company confirms all three characteristics, and "loquacious" and "political" must have been close contenders for inclusion too.

The Guardian

Crowdstorm and Reevoo are close contenders for that prize.

TechCrunch

When it comes to more accessible areas, remote corners of the Congo Basin and the Amazon rainforest could be close contenders for second place.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close contender for", ensure that there's a clear comparison. Highlight what makes the contender nearly as good as the established leader or standard.

Common error

Avoid using "a close contender for" when the subject is clearly inferior or irrelevant. This phrase suggests a genuine competition or comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close contender for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is nearly equal in quality or potential to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close contender for" is a useful phrase for indicating that something or someone is almost as good as or has a nearly equal chance of succeeding compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure a clear comparison is present, and consider alternatives like ""a strong challenger for"" or ""a near rival for"" for variety. Remember to avoid using the phrase when the subject is clearly inferior, as this undermines the intended meaning of close competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong challenger for

Replaces "contender" with "challenger", emphasizing the act of competing.

a near rival for

Substitutes "contender" with "rival" and "close" with "near", focusing on competition and proximity in skill or achievement.

a serious threat to

Changes the focus to the potential impact, suggesting the subject could displace the current leader.

a leading candidate for

Replaces "contender" with "candidate" and changes "close" to leading. More appropriate for formal selections.

a viable option for

Shifts the emphasis to suitability and feasibility as a choice.

almost certain to secure

This emphasizes the high probability of obtaining something

in contention for

Emphasizes participation and possibility of succeeding, but it's more general.

a significant possibility for

Focuses on the potential outcome, highlighting a notable chance of success or attainment.

a likely prospect for

Replaces 'contender' with prospect, highlighting anticipation of success.

a distinct possibility in

Focuses on the existence of a clear and noticeable chance.

FAQs

How can I use "a close contender for" in a sentence?

Use "a close contender for" when you want to say that something or someone is almost as good as, or has a nearly equal chance of winning, compared to another. For example, "Samsung's GS5 is "a close contender for" the crown".

What phrases are similar to "a close contender for"?

Alternatives to "a close contender for" include "a strong challenger for", "a near rival for", or "a serious threat to depending on the context".

Is it better to say "close contender" or "strong contender"?

Both "close contender" and "strong contender" are valid, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Close contender" suggests that the subject is nearly as good as another, while "strong contender" emphasizes the subject's capability and potential to win.

What does it mean for something to be "a contender"?

When something is described as "a contender", it means that it's a person, team, or thing that is competing for a prize or title and has a reasonable chance of winning. Being "a close contender" simply intensifies this meaning, suggesting the subject is nearly the best.