a definite candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that is clearly identified or recognized as a suitable option for a particular role or position. Example: "After reviewing all the applicants, we believe that Sarah is a definite candidate for the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"This one is a definite candidate for rapid P45 delivery.

The Guardian - Sport

When a team have a definite candidate in mind, the process can become an elaborate charade – although that happens in other businesses too.

The Guardian - Sport

High-profile names including former BBC director general Greg Dyke have been put in the frame for the editorship, however it is not thought that a definite candidate has been lined up.

The Guardian

The defense industry is a definite candidate.

Forbes

"He's a definite candidate for that first eleven".

BBC

A definite candidate for #museum101 pic.twitter.comuseum101B1r.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

WFAN is a logical but not necessarily definite candidate to carry the Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

The shorts are definite candidates for the chop.

The Guardian - Business

There are some definite candidates as possible buyers: its licensing partner Microsoft (which just forked out $1 billion for AOL's patents)?

TechCrunch

These expression studies have revealed a definite function for some candidate motifs identified in this organism [Unpublished data, Mullapudi et al].

BMC Genomics

Mr. Lehane casually mentioned a four-year-old videotape that surfaced last week, showing Dr. Dean criticizing the Iowa caucuses as "dominated by special interests" -- a definite no-no for a candidate courting Iowa voters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite candidate" when you want to convey a strong sense of certainty or high likelihood of someone being chosen for a role or position. For example, "After the interview, she emerged as "a definite candidate" for the job".

Common error

Avoid using "a definite candidate" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "strong contender" or "leading applicant" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite candidate" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "candidate" to indicate a high probability of selection. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, reinforcing its role in identifying strong contenders.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite candidate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone with a high likelihood of being selected. Ludwig's examples highlight its use across various domains, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is accurate and understandable, varying your language with alternatives such as "strong contender" or "leading applicant" can improve writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable tool for expressing confidence in someone's prospects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong contender

Replaces "definite" with "strong" and "candidate" with "contender", suggesting a high probability of success.

a leading applicant

Substitutes "definite" with "leading" and "candidate" with "applicant", emphasizing the position at the front of the selection process.

a likely prospect

Replaces "definite" with "likely" and "candidate" with "prospect", indicating a good chance of being chosen.

a frontrunner

A more concise way to express that someone is the most likely choice.

a shoo-in

An informal term indicating that someone is virtually certain to be selected.

an obvious choice

Highlights the clarity and ease of selection, focusing on the lack of alternative options.

a clear favorite

Emphasizes the preference for the candidate compared to others.

a prime selection

Indicates that the candidate is considered of high quality and suitable.

a top pick

Suggests the candidate is highly valued and selected above others.

a sure bet

Implies a high degree of certainty in the candidate's selection.

FAQs

How can I use "a definite candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite candidate" to describe someone who is very likely to be chosen for a position. For example, "With her experience, she is "a definite candidate" for the promotion".

What are some alternatives to "a definite candidate"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong contender", "a leading applicant", or "a likely prospect".

Is "a definite candidate for" or "a definite candidate to" correct?

"A definite candidate for" is generally the correct phrasing, as it is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, "a definite candidate for president". You can also consider rephrasing to avoid this issue altogether.

What does it mean to be described as "a definite candidate"?

Being described as "a definite candidate" means you are considered very likely to be selected or chosen for a particular role, position, or opportunity. It implies that you meet the requirements and are a strong contender compared to others.