a prime candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

"a prime candidate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who is the most suitable for some kind of position or job. For example, "John's skills and experience make him a prime candidate for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oil is a prime candidate.

The Economist

Kenny Lofton was a prime candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words: a prime candidate for Confucian rectification.

Independent

Barber didn't seem a prime candidate for pro golf success.

The New York Times - Sports

That should be a prime candidate for curtailing tax expenditures.

The New York Times

And Berlioz is a prime candidate for rediscovery.

The New York Times - Arts

AT&T, for example, is a prime candidate.

The New York Times

A prime candidate for catching the Egyptian contagion.

The Guardian

Susie Shapira would seem to be a prime candidate.

The New York Times

This doesn't make her a prime candidate for mainstream stardom.

The New York Times - Arts

Hans van der Zee, at Ajax, is a prime candidate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prime candidate" when you want to emphasize someone or something's superior suitability for a particular role, task, or situation. It implies they possess the essential qualities and have a high likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid using "a prime candidate" in very informal settings where a simpler term like "good choice" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a degree of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prime candidate" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies someone or something as being highly suitable for a specific role or purpose. Ludwig confirms the consistent usage of this phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a prime candidate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone or something exceptionally well-suited for a specific role or purpose. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use across diverse fields, including news, science, and business. While the phrase carries a degree of formality, it remains versatile and effective for highlighting qualifications and increasing the likelihood of selection. Alternatives such as "an ideal candidate" or "a top contender" can be used depending on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ideal candidate

Replaces "prime" with "ideal", suggesting the candidate is perfect for the role.

a top contender

Emphasizes the competitive aspect, indicating the candidate is among the best.

a leading candidate

Highlights the candidate's position at the forefront of the selection process.

a strong contender

Focuses on the candidate's strength and suitability for the role.

a frontrunner

Indicates the candidate is perceived to be the most likely to succeed or be chosen.

a preferred candidate

Suggests the candidate is favored or has advantages over others.

a suitable candidate

Indicates the candidate meets the necessary requirements.

a likely prospect

Focuses on the potential or possibility of the candidate being selected.

a promising applicant

Highlights the candidate's potential and positive qualities.

an obvious choice

Suggests the candidate is the clear and apparent selection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a prime candidate" to describe someone or something highly suitable for a particular purpose. For example: "She is "a prime candidate" for the leadership position" or "This technology is "a prime candidate" for addressing the energy crisis".

What are some alternatives to "a prime candidate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an ideal candidate", "a top contender", or "a leading candidate".

Is it more formal to say "a prime candidate" or "a good choice"?

"A prime candidate" is generally more formal than "a good choice". The former implies a more structured evaluation process and a higher degree of suitability, while the latter is a more general and informal expression.

When is it appropriate to use "a prime candidate" versus "a likely prospect"?

"A prime candidate" suggests that someone or something already possesses the necessary qualifications and is highly suitable. "A likely prospect", on the other hand, implies potential but doesn't necessarily confirm complete suitability. A "likely prospect" has potential, but "a prime candidate" is already well-positioned.