a legitimate candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a legitimate candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is qualified or has the right credentials for a particular position or role. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we believe that Sarah is a legitimate candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he played well enough to be a legitimate candidate and we're real happy for him".

The New York Times

"He's a legitimate candidate for the bullpen that we'll look at this spring," Cashman said.

The New York Times

"I really don't know what it's going to take to be a legitimate candidate," Cone said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think she'd be a legitimate candidate for governor," he said.

The Washington Post

Scherzer is a legitimate candidate to win the National League Cy Young Award again.

The Washington Post

What makes the Seahawks a legitimate candidate was the minimal amount of change they experienced over the offseason.

Independent

Others seemed to be scratching their heads that the often provocative Mr. Paladino was considered a legitimate candidate.

The New York Times

A win in the Travers Stakes would have made Paynter a legitimate candidate for year-end honors.

The New York Times

"Sadly, Christine's just not really a legitimate candidate in Delaware," the Republican state committee chairman, Tom Ross, said recently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, a Bush backer but a McCain friend, said, "John is a legitimate candidate".

The New York Times

With a 15-3 record, he has a decent chance to win 20 games, and he is a legitimate candidate for the National League Cy Young award.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a legitimate candidate", ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for legitimacy. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity about what qualities make the candidate suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "a legitimate candidate" without providing supporting evidence or reasoning. Simply stating someone is legitimate without justification can weaken your argument and make it seem biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a legitimate candidate" functions as a noun phrase, where "legitimate" acts as an adjective modifying "candidate". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It identifies an individual who meets the necessary criteria or possesses the qualities to be considered seriously for a position or role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a legitimate candidate" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies an individual who meets the required qualifications and is worthy of consideration for a specific role or position. As per Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business and Science domains. Related phrases include "a viable contender" and "a credible applicant". When using the phrase, it's best to clearly define the criteria for legitimacy and avoid making unsubstantiated claims. The prevalence and authoritative sourcing of "a legitimate candidate" reinforce its validity and widespread acceptance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious contender

Emphasizes the person is being considered seriously.

a viable contender

Emphasizes the potential for success or winning.

an authentic candidate

Highlights the genuineness and realness of the candidature.

a credible applicant

Focuses on the trustworthiness and qualifications of the person.

a qualified individual

Highlights the specific skills and expertise required.

a rightful applicant

Focuses on the fairness and legality of the person's application.

an eligible nominee

Implies meeting specific requirements for a formal nomination.

a worthy prospect

Suggests someone who has potential and is deserving of consideration.

a suitable choice

Focuses on the appropriateness of the person for a particular role.

a genuine possibility

Highlights that someone is a real option.

FAQs

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

You can use "a legitimate candidate" to describe someone who meets the necessary qualifications or is worthy of consideration for a specific role or position. For example, "After years of experience, she is "a legitimate candidate" for CEO".

What are some alternatives to saying "a legitimate candidate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a viable contender", "a credible applicant", or "a qualified individual".

What makes someone "a legitimate candidate"?

Being "a legitimate candidate" typically involves possessing the required qualifications, experience, and character traits that make them suitable for a particular role or position. The specific criteria can vary depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a legitimate candidate"?

The phrase "a legitimate candidate" is appropriate in various contexts, including politics, business, sports, and academic settings, where individuals are being considered for specific roles or opportunities. It's useful when you want to emphasize that someone is genuinely qualified and worthy of consideration.