a leading contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is among the top candidates or competitors in a particular context, such as a competition or selection process. Example: "In the race for the championship, she is considered a leading contender due to her impressive performance this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many Kenyans considered him a leading contender.

The New York Times

Charlotte, N.C., is a leading contender, as is St . Louis

The New York Times

A leading contender would have to be Sheena Wagstaff.

The Guardian - Arts

The pasta au gratin is a leading contender.

The New York Times

Simcock said Manchester-born Emmeline Pankhurst was a leading contender.

The Guardian

Rupert Murdoch's company, the News Corporation, is a leading contender.

The New York Times

Like Mr. Foust, he has been a leading contender in rally and X game competition.

The New York Times

Mr. Dewhurst, along with Attorney General Greg Abbott, would be a leading contender.

The New York Times

Gonzalez, a leading contender for the Cy Young Award, walked seven batters.

The New York Times - Sports

A leading contender for new mascot is a black bear, but this is no easy sell.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Wald was believed to be a leading contender to succeed Mark Hoffman, the network's president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a leading contender" when you want to highlight that the subject is not just participating, but is considered one of the most likely to succeed.

Common error

While "a leading contender" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "favorite" or "top pick" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading contender" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a person, team, or entity as one of the most likely to succeed in a given competition, election, or selection process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading contender" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes someone or something with a high probability of success in a particular competition or selection process. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral communication. Related phrases include "a front runner" and "a top candidate". While appropriate for formal writing, avoid overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a front runner

This alternative suggests someone who is ahead in a race or competition, implying a strong likelihood of success.

a top candidate

This alternative directly refers to someone who is highly considered for a position or role.

a strong candidate

Similar to "a top candidate", but emphasizes the strength and qualifications of the person.

a major player

This alternative suggests someone influential and important in a particular field or situation.

a key figure

This emphasizes the person's significance and importance in a specific context.

a likely winner

This alternative focuses on the high probability of someone winning or succeeding.

a probable victor

This alternative is more formal than "a likely winner" but carries the same meaning.

a viable option

This suggests that someone or something is a realistic and practical choice.

a potential successor

This is often used when discussing replacements or heirs to a position.

an emerging leader

This alternative suggests someone who is rising in prominence and influence.

FAQs

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

"A leading contender" is used to describe someone or something with a high chance of success in a competition or selection process. For example, "She is "a leading contender" for the gold medal."

What are some alternatives to "a leading contender"?

Alternatives include "a front runner", "a top candidate", or "a strong candidate", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a leading contender" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and business documents where objective descriptions are required.

What's the difference between "a leading contender" and "a dark horse"?

"A leading contender" is expected to do well, while "a dark horse" is an unexpected or less-known competitor who might surprise everyone. The terms describe opposite scenarios.