a front runner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a front runner" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or entity that is leading in a competition or race, often in the context of elections or contests. Example: "In the upcoming election, she is considered the front runner among the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A share sale now appears to be a front runner.

The Economist

The good news is you're a front runner.

The New York Times

"There's not really a front runner at this stage.

BBC

There are those who relish the peculiar pressures of being a front runner.

BBC

That said, the HTC Vive has emerged as a front runner in Japan's fledgling experiential VRcades.

TechCrunch

Today, Langevin has become a front runner in the reignited debate on gun control.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

UConn had been considered a front-runner.

The New York Times - Sports

Bodemeister is a front-runner as well.

The New York Times - Sports

This one is a front-runner.

The New York Times

"I was a front-runner," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a front-runner," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a front runner" when you want to indicate the leading position of someone or something in a competition, election, or any field where there are multiple contenders. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the idea of leading the pack.

Common error

Avoid using "a front runner" in situations where there is no element of competition or comparison. For instance, describing a pioneer in a field as a "front runner" might be confusing if there were no direct rivals or contenders at the time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a front runner" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies an entity (person, organization, product, etc.) that holds a leading position in a competition or process. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in designating leaders in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a front runner" is a versatile noun phrase that accurately describes the entity in the lead of a race or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in formal and informal contexts, most often appearing in news and media. When writing, remember that while "a front runner" is commonly used, consider alternatives like "a leading contender" or "a favorite" to vary your language and tailor it precisely to your intended meaning. Ensure that the context is competitive in nature to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading contender

This alternative emphasizes the competitive aspect and the potential for winning.

a top prospect

This suggests someone with great potential and a likely future success.

a favorite

This indicates that someone is widely expected to win or succeed.

a pacesetter

This highlights the act of setting the pace and being ahead of others.

a leading light

This portrays someone who is prominent and influential in a particular field.

a chief candidate

This emphasizes the role of a candidate with a high chance of being chosen.

an odds-on choice

This refers to someone who is highly likely to be selected based on probabilities.

a pole sitter

This is mostly used in motor racing contexts but can imply leadership position.

a forerunner

Similar to front runner, but often suggests someone who precedes others in development.

a probable winner

This clearly states the high likelihood of winning.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "a front runner"?

Being "a front runner" means being in a leading position in a competition, election, or other field where there are multiple contenders. It indicates a high likelihood of success or winning.

How do I use "a front runner" in a sentence?

You can use "a front runner" to describe someone or something that is currently leading or is considered the most likely to succeed. For example: "She is considered "a leading contender" in the upcoming election".

What can I say instead of "a front runner"?

You can use alternatives like "a leading contender", "a top prospect", or "a favorite" depending on the context.

Is "frontrunner" one word or two?

"Frontrunner" is often written as one word, but "a front runner" as two words is also acceptable and commonly used. Both forms refer to the same concept.