a leading candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is considered one of the top contenders for a position, award, or opportunity. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we believe that Sarah is a leading candidate for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mike Breen is a leading candidate to replace Nessler.

The New York Times - Sports

But carbon nanotubes are emerging as a leading candidate.

MIT Technology Review

Chuck Heater, his assistant, is considered a leading candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

The concept of rational agency has long been considered a leading candidate to fulfill this role.

Artificial Intelligence

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is a leading candidate for the 22 nm node lithography and beyond.

Microelectronic Engineering

It is a leading candidate in human and canine Lyme disease vaccine development efforts.

The Veterinary Journal

Mr. Dittemore said it was equally impossible to anoint any particular theory as a leading candidate.

The New York Times

The Yankees must also hire a pitching coach, with Ron Guidry a leading candidate.

The New York Times

Both candidates were made aware that we had a leading candidate.

The New York Times

Mr. Cohn, on the other hand, had the magnanimity of a leading candidate.

The New York Times

Webber, a leading candidate for most valuable player, will be a free agent after this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading candidate", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific position, award, or opportunity for which the candidate is being considered. Clarity helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading candidate" when the selection process is still in its early stages or when there are many strong contenders. Prematurely labeling someone as a leading candidate can create false expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading candidate" functions as a noun phrase, with "leading" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying "candidate". This phrase is commonly used to identify individuals or options that are considered the most promising or likely to succeed in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading candidate" is a commonly used phrase to denote someone or something highly favored for a specific role or outcome. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, science, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the context supports the claim and avoiding overstatements about certainty. Alternatives like "top contender" or "front runner" can be used depending on the nuances you want to convey. Be mindful of the stage of the selection process to avoid misrepresenting someone's chances. Ludwig's examples confirm the phrase's widespread application and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading contender

Simple rewording of the original phrase without "a".

front runner

Implies being ahead of all other candidates, suggesting greater momentum.

top contender

Highlights the competitive aspect, suggesting a strong likelihood of winning.

prime choice

Emphasizes preference or selection among other possibilities.

principal applicant

More formal and often used in official or application contexts.

chief prospect

Suggests potential and future success.

foremost possibility

Highlights that it is most likely to happen or be true.

the odds-on favorite

Commonly used in betting and sports, indicating the highest probability of winning.

dominant figure

Implies influence and control, often in a competitive environment.

likely successor

Focuses on succeeding or replacing someone, emphasizing future role.

FAQs

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

You can use "a leading candidate" to describe someone who is considered one of the top contenders for a position, award, or opportunity. For example, "After several interviews, she emerged as "a leading candidate" for the CEO position".

What can I say instead of "a leading candidate"?

You can use alternatives like "top contender", "front runner", or "prime choice" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a leading candidate" or "leading candidate"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they are used in slightly different ways. "A leading candidate" refers to a specific individual, while "leading candidate" can refer to the general idea of someone who is in the forefront. For instance, "He is "a leading candidate" for the job," versus "Identifying the leading candidate requires careful assessment".

What's the difference between "a leading candidate" and "a likely successor"?

"A leading candidate" indicates someone who is strongly considered for a position or award, while "a likely successor" specifically refers to someone expected to take over a role or position from someone else. The latter implies a direct replacement or inheritance of a role.