a preferred bidder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preferred bidder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of auctions, tenders, or procurement processes to refer to a bidder who is favored or selected for a project or contract. Example: "After reviewing all the proposals, the committee has chosen a preferred bidder for the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The downside to all of this is that sometimes companies and executives will prefer negotiations as an ostensible excuse to favor a preferred bidder at the expense of shareholders.

The New York Times

"It's a positive to have a preferred bidder.

The Guardian - Sport

The next step is for administrators to name a preferred bidder for Rangers.

The Guardian - Sport

It has named the Co-operative Bank as a preferred bidder.

Independent

Last week Quintain told its shareholders that exclusive talks with a preferred bidder were under way.

The Guardian

"Exclusive negotiations continue with a preferred bidder for the disposal of the group's interest".

The Guardian

"We did so because we did not want to further delay the absolutely crucial task of selecting a preferred bidder.

Independent

Accountant KPMG, which is organising the process, will consider the offers before announcing a preferred bidder as early as Friday.

The Guardian - Business

Legacy became a preferred bidder after negotiations with Nomura International, the Japanese bank, fell through in September.

The New York Times

ZTE's bosses, he says, held little sway with the central government.Once a preferred bidder has been picked, however, there can be a flood of cheap cash.

The Economist

Rangers administrators Duff & Phelps have been forced to delay the announcement of a preferred bidder for the club due to proposed changes to Scottish Premier League rules.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preferred bidder" when you want to indicate that a particular bidder has been chosen for exclusive negotiations or is most likely to win a contract. It suggests a provisional selection, not a final decision.

Common error

Avoid treating "a preferred bidder" as the definitive winner. It's crucial to remember that negotiations can still fail, and the deal might not go through. Use language that reflects the provisional nature of the selection until the contract is signed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preferred bidder" functions as a noun phrase, where "preferred" acts as an adjective modifying "bidder". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is common in contexts where a selection process is taking place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preferred bidder" is commonly used to denote a bidder who has been provisionally selected in a competitive process but is not yet the confirmed winner. As Ludwig AI explains, the term appears frequently in news and business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful that it does not indicate a final decision, and negotiations are still underway. Alternatives such as "leading contender" or "favored applicant" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Understanding the nuances of this phrase ensures clear and accurate communication in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferred candidate

Slightly more formal and generic, referring to any candidate who is favored.

leading contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect, highlighting the bidder's position relative to others.

frontrunner

Emphasizes the bidder's likely success based on current standing.

leading bidder

Emphasizes the bidder's position as a leader in the bidding process.

favored applicant

Highlights the applicant who is most likely to be chosen.

selected candidate

Indicates a candidate who has been chosen, but not necessarily finalized.

chosen bidder

A straightforward alternative, emphasizing the act of choosing.

leading applicant

Emphasizes the applicant who is ahead of others.

top choice

Implies the bidder is the best option among several.

first choice

Emphasizes that the bidder is the initial and favored option.

FAQs

How is "a preferred bidder" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a preferred bidder" is used to indicate that a certain bidder is being favored in a selection process, such as a tender or auction. For instance: "The company has named a preferred bidder for the project".

What are some alternatives to "a preferred bidder"?

You can use alternatives like "leading contender", "frontrunner", or "favored applicant" to convey a similar meaning.

Does "a preferred bidder" guarantee a final contract?

No, being named "a preferred bidder" does not guarantee the final contract. Negotiations can still fail, and the deal may not be finalized. The selection is provisional until all terms are agreed upon.

What's the difference between "a preferred bidder" and "the winning bidder"?

"A preferred bidder" is chosen for exclusive negotiations, while "the winning bidder" refers to the entity that has officially been awarded the contract after all negotiations are complete. A "preferred bidder" is not necessarily the "winning bidder" until the agreement is finalized.