a likely winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely winner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that has a good chance of succeeding or winning in a competition or situation. Example: "Based on her previous performances, she is considered a likely winner of the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But even with this loophole, it seems like Lee will be a likely winner ….

TechCrunch

When does a likely winner emerge?

The Guardian - Sport

But who is strong and a likely winner?

The Economist

The bad-aim defense is not a likely winner.

The New York Times

Dane Lane's Celebration, who is 2, to be a likely winner.

The New York Times - Sports

Verdict: The Kerala coriander marinade, Vietnamese chicken skewers and peri-peri prawn sauce is a likely winner in your kitchen.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

With a likely winner-takes-all showdown coming against Australia at the London Stadium on 13 November, it is hard not to perceive the Scotland game as an open audition for Taylor to show he is worthy of a place against the Kangaroos.

The Guardian - Sport

Seen as a more likely winner is the Democratic Voice of Burma, a human rights-focused TV and radio outlet, conveniently based in Oslo.

The Guardian

For some time it seemed that Elise Delzenne was a more likely winner after her daring solo breakaway opened up a lead of 45 seconds with around 15km of the 93.8km stage from Oundle to Northampton remaining.

BBC

But an election law expert who listened to the proceedings online said Mr. Franken had emerged a very likely winner.

The New York Times

Though the way things looked at the Book Awards 2009, a more likely winner would be Simon Cowell or Myleene Klass.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a likely winner" when you want to express a strong possibility of success or victory based on current evidence or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a likely winner" when the outcome is still highly uncertain or when there is no clear evidence to support the claim. Instead, use phrases that express possibility or potential rather than high probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely winner" functions as a noun phrase, where "likely" modifies the noun "winner". Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing candidates, teams, or strategies with a high probability of success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a likely winner" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something with a high probability of success. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. You can use alternatives like "a strong contender" or "a frontrunner" depending on the context. Avoid using it when certainty is overstated. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase enjoys widespread use in reputable sources, reflecting its reliability and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable victor

Emphasizes the high probability of winning, similar to "a likely winner".

a strong contender

Highlights the competitive strength and potential to win.

a frontrunner

Indicates leading position and high chances of winning.

a leading candidate

Focuses on being a top choice with good prospects of winning.

a good bet

Suggests a favorable outcome is highly anticipated.

a surefire bet

Implies an almost certain win.

a shoo-in

Informal term indicating an almost guaranteed win.

a top prospect

Highlights potential and good chances for success.

the favorite

Emphasizes popularity and expected success.

a potential victor

Focuses on the possibility and capability of winning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a likely winner" to describe someone or something that has a high probability of success. For instance, "Based on current polls, she is "a likely winner" in the upcoming election".

What are some alternatives to saying "a likely winner"?

Alternatives include "a strong contender", "a frontrunner", or "a leading candidate", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a likely winner" in formal writing?

Yes, "a likely winner" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical articles where you're assessing probabilities and potential outcomes.

What's the difference between "a likely winner" and "a potential winner"?

"A likely winner" suggests a higher probability of success based on current conditions, while "a potential winner" implies that someone has the capacity to win, even if they aren't the current favorite.