a major candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant or prominent individual running for a position, especially in political contexts. Example: "In the upcoming election, she is considered a major candidate for the position of mayor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Fox's National Action Party did not field a major candidate.

The New York Times

In South Korea, such a gesture of sacrifice by a major candidate like Mr. Ahn is not common.

The New York Times

Rheumatic fever has been a major candidate since a landmark study in 1966 by Carl B? a Swiss doctor.

The New York Times

Another reason is we don't have a major candidate for winning the overall classification of the Tour de France.

Independent

THE DOER Whatever else happens, at least one governor or former governor will probably become a major candidate.

The New York Times

Here is the other revelation: for the first time in memory, a major candidate based an entire campaign on fighting inequality and won a resounding mandate.

The New Yorker

Photo: Senator John Edwards campaigned in Newark yesterday, the first time that a major candidate in the presidential campaign has visited New Jersey.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump's statement appeared to be the first time that a major candidate for president had suggested conditioning the United States' defense of its major allies.

The New York Times

By the time that Paul officially began his Presidential campaign, in April, he had reason to expect that he would be, at the very least, a major candidate, perhaps even a front-runner.

The New Yorker

Between the assassination of William McKinley, in 1901, and the nomination of Warren Harding, in 1920, there were four straight Presidential elections without a major candidate who, by the standards of the day, would have been considered conservative.

The New Yorker

For the first time, a major candidate for national office talked about abortion with the phrase "If I were pregnant," or about foreign policy with the personal observation "As the mother of a draft-age son...."....

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a major candidate", ensure the context clearly establishes what they are a candidate for. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the position, award, or role.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "a major candidate" before they have officially announced their candidacy or met basic requirements. This can create unrealistic expectations and undermine their credibility later if they fail to meet these requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major candidate" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to identify and categorize an individual who is considered a significant contender for a particular role, position, or award. Examples from Ludwig showcase its application in political, scientific, and even literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major candidate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone significant vying for a position, whether in politics, science, or other fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific publications. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly specify the position or award for which the individual is a candidate, and avoid prematurely labeling someone as "a major candidate" before they have established their candidacy. Alternatives such as "a leading contender" or "a prominent nominee" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "a major candidate" is a valuable and versatile phrase for describing significant contenders in various competitive scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading contender

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of being a candidate and implies a strong position.

a front-runner

Highlights the candidate's perceived lead in a competition or election.

a prominent nominee

Focuses on the candidate's nomination and their level of recognition.

a significant figure

Broadens the scope beyond just candidacy, emphasizing overall importance.

a key player

Emphasizes influence and strategic role within a specific field or election.

an important applicant

Shifts focus to the application process and the applicant's significance.

a serious possibility

Downplays direct candidacy and emphasizes potential for success.

a noteworthy individual

Highlights the person's general importance and deserving of attention.

a viable option

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of choosing the candidate.

a strong prospect

Emphasizes the potential and likelihood of the candidate's future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major candidate" to describe someone who is a significant contender for a position. For example, "She is "a major candidate" for the presidential nomination".

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

You can use alternatives like "a leading contender", "a front-runner", or "a prominent nominee" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major candidate" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major candidate" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports, where a neutral and objective tone is required.

What distinguishes "a major candidate" from a minor one?

"A major candidate" typically has significant support, experience, or resources, making them a strong contender. In contrast, a minor candidate may lack one or more of these attributes.