a contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone or something that competes for a title, position, or recognition in a particular context, such as sports or competitions. Example: "In the upcoming championship, she is considered a contender for the gold medal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Definitely a contender.

The New York Times - Tech

I won't be a contender.

Independent

We could've been a contender.

The New York Times - Sports

He could be a contender.

Independent

I coulda been a contender.

The New York Times

He is finally playing for a contender.

The New York Times

It's certainly a contender.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was a contender.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a contender.

The Guardian - Travel

Bill was a contender.

The New Yorker

I could have been a contender.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting titles or headings, consider using "a contender" to immediately signal competition or potential success.

Common error

Avoid using "a contender" when there is no element of competition or striving for a goal. The term implies a competitive context, and using it outside of that can sound awkward or incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a contender" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies someone or something with the potential to compete successfully, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a contender" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies someone or something with the potential to succeed in a competitive environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media domain. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for situations where there's a clear competitive aspect, to ensure accuracy and avoid miscommunication. Alternatives include "a competitor", "a rival", and "a challenger", each subtly different in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a competitor

Focuses on the act of competing.

a rival

Emphasizes the antagonistic aspect of the competition.

a challenger

Stresses the act of challenging an existing leader or champion.

an aspirant

Highlights the ambition to achieve a certain goal.

a possible winner

Emphasizes the potential for victory.

a potential champion

Highlights the possibility of becoming a champion.

a frontrunner

Indicates a leading position in a competition.

a dark horse

Implies an unexpected competitor who might win.

an emerging force

Highlights a new and growing presence in a field.

a serious threat

Emphasizes the danger posed by the competitor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a contender" to describe someone or something that is competing for a title, position, or award. For example, "She is "a contender for" the championship this year."

What are some synonyms for "a contender"?

Some synonyms for "a contender" include "a competitor", "a rival", "a challenger", and "a frontrunner" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a contender" in formal writing?

Yes, "a contender" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts related to sports, politics, or business where competition is a key element. The level of formality makes it a suitable choice for News & Media publications.

What is the difference between "a contender" and "a pretender"?

"A contender" is someone with a realistic chance of winning or succeeding, while "a pretender" is someone who claims to be something they are not, or who lacks the skills or resources to actually compete effectively.