a likely contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that has a good chance of winning or succeeding in a competition or selection process. Example: "With her impressive track record and strong performance, she is a likely contender for the award this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Planetary Resources seems like a likely contender, considering they already launched their first spacecraft in July of 2015 in order to test their own asteroid prospecting technologies.

TechCrunch

Planetary Resources seems like a likely contender, considering they already launched their first spacecraft in July of 2015 in order to test their own asteroid prospecting technologies.

TechCrunch

Oregon is a likely contender.

The Guardian - Music

It's certainly a likely contender.

The Guardian - Arts

Each team is a likely contender for a medal.

The New York Times

Among Democrats, Representative Shelley Berkley is a likely contender, and other names were being floated Monday.

The New York Times

Mr Kadyrov is a likely contender, but his own credibility is low both in Moscow and in Chechnya.

The Economist

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Not a likely contender right now – but if he ran, he would win by a landslide.

Independent

Pumped up by Alonso's exceptional results last year, Ferrari remains confident and a likely contender for the title.

The New York Times - Sports

Geoff Hill, the editor of ITN-produced 5News, is also a likely contender for the vacant post.

The Guardian

Kazuo Ishiguro's en-Nobelment is a surprise; I wonder how many readers had thought of him as a likely contender.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a likely contender" when you want to suggest that someone or something has a strong possibility of success without making a definitive statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a likely contender" when you need to express absolute certainty. Opt for stronger phrases like "the definite winner" or "the guaranteed outcome" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely contender" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun has a good probability of achieving something, such as winning a competition or being selected for a role. The Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a likely contender" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe someone or something with a strong possibility of success. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it offers a neutral tone suitable for objective assessments. For situations requiring increased formality, synonyms like "a strong candidate" may be more appropriate. However, remember not to use the phrase to express absolute certainty. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong candidate

Emphasizes the strength and qualifications of the person or thing being considered.

a probable candidate

Focuses on the high probability of someone being chosen.

a potential frontrunner

Suggests that the person or thing is leading the competition.

a viable option

Highlights that something is a realistic and workable choice.

a good prospect

Indicates a favorable outlook for success.

a promising possibility

Emphasizes the potential and hope associated with a choice.

a realistic possibility

Highlights that the option is grounded in reality and achievable.

a definite possibility

Suggests a high degree of certainty that something could happen.

a credible applicant

Focuses on the trustworthiness and qualifications of someone applying for something.

a top prospect

Implies the person or thing is among the best options available.

FAQs

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

You can use "a likely contender" to describe someone or something that has a good chance of winning or succeeding. For example, "With her experience, she is "a likely contender" for the promotion."

What's a more formal alternative to "a likely contender"?

In a more formal setting, you might use phrases like "a strong candidate" or "a probable choice" to convey a similar meaning with added professionalism.

Is it appropriate to use "a likely contender" in academic writing?

Yes, "a likely contender" can be used in academic writing to discuss potential outcomes or candidates, but ensure the tone remains objective and evidence-based. For example, "Based on the preliminary data, this hypothesis is "a likely contender" for further investigation."

What are some common synonyms for "a likely contender"?

Some common synonyms include "a potential frontrunner", "a viable option", and "a good prospect", each carrying slightly different nuances.