a serious contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a strong chance of winning or succeeding in a competition or comparison. Example: "With their innovative approach and strong team, they are a serious contender for the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consistent, seasoned colt is a serious contender.

The Washington Post

For all his awfulness, Walker is a serious contender.

The New Yorker

The White Sox have the look of a serious contender.

The New York Times

But Santorum as a serious contender for the Presidency?

The New Yorker

The Clippers were never considered a serious contender.

The New York Times

The technocratic Mr Merz is not yet a serious contender.

The Economist

Romney will be a serious contender in 2008.

The Guardian

He is now a serious contender in Sunday's final.

The New York Times - Sports

Vino, as he is known, is a serious contender.

The New York Times - Sports

David Farr, the third associate, is also a serious contender.

The Guardian

Few fakers campaigned and none proved a serious contender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious contender", ensure that the context clearly establishes the competition or field in which the subject is competing. Providing specific details about their strengths or achievements will add weight to the claim.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "a serious contender" based solely on speculation or wishful thinking. Ensure you have concrete evidence to support your assessment, such as past performance, skills or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious contender" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies someone or something as having a legitimate chance of success in a competitive situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious contender" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something with a strong possibility of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news media, sports reporting, and business contexts. To use it effectively, make sure to provide context and evidence to support your assessment. Avoid overstating potential without concrete backing. Consider alternatives like "a formidable competitor" or "a leading candidate" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "a serious contender" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable competitor

Emphasizes the strength and ability of the competitor, implying they are difficult to overcome.

a leading candidate

Focuses on the position of the candidate, suggesting they are ahead in a competition or election.

a strong competitor

Highlights the strength of the competitor, suggesting they have a good chance of winning.

a major player

Indicates someone influential and significant in a particular field or competition.

a top prospect

Implies a high potential for future success, particularly in sports or business.

a frontrunner

Signifies someone who is currently in the lead or is expected to win.

a dark horse

Describes someone who is unexpectedly emerging as a potential winner.

a threat to win

Explicitly states that someone poses a danger to others' chances of winning.

a real possibility

Shifts the focus to the possibility of winning, rather than the person.

a likely winner

Expresses a high probability of someone winning, based on current circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious contender" to describe someone or something that has a realistic chance of winning or succeeding in a particular context. For instance, "With its advanced technology, this new smartphone is "a serious contender" in the market".

What are some alternatives to saying "a serious contender"?

Alternatives include "a formidable competitor", "a strong competitor", or "a leading candidate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious contender" in formal writing?

Yes, "a serious contender" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news articles, business reports, and academic papers, as demonstrated by its frequent use in reputable sources.

What distinguishes "a serious contender" from "a potential threat"?

"A serious contender" suggests a higher likelihood of success and often implies admiration for the skills and efforts involved. "A potential threat"/s/a+potential+threat, on the other hand, emphasizes the danger or challenge posed by someone, regardless of their actual chances of winning.