a solid contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is a strong candidate or competitor in a particular context, such as a competition or selection process. Example: "In the upcoming election, she is considered a solid contender for the position of mayor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Tiramisù, that great comfort sweet, was a solid contender, as was a sweet ricotta cheesecake.

The New York Times

Martin, 52, is often overshadowed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, but he is still considered a solid contender.

The New York Times

Sure, Nixon is a solid contender, but Bill Clinton, a man with big appetites and a distinctive accent, has given joke tellers a wealth of material.

The New York Times

Overall, the ZenWatch is easily one of the best Android Wear watches available and a solid contender for the incoming Apple Watch.

The Guardian - Tech

He was a solid contender in the United States Open from 1962 through 1973, finishing in the top 10 five times.

The New York Times

Folks that remember the dismal Saints of the past are still getting used to the notion that this looks like a solid contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

She will help to make the price for her stable companion Nichols Canyon, however, while Double Shuffle, in the novice handicap chase, is a another solid contender at a very fair price.

The Guardian - Sport

"[T]he audience gave a rousing ovation to the movie, which appears to me to be a very solid contender to score a best picture Oscar nomination," he wrote.

Huffington Post

It handily grabs the title of the best Kindle ever, and is a pretty solid contender for best devoted e-reader ever.

TechCrunch

If they can make this a more fleshed out service while retaining the incredible simplicity it offers now, Fleck could grow into a particularly solid contender in the web page annotation space.

TechCrunch

Two weeks earlier, his stablemate War Chant emerged as a solid Derby contender by winning the San Rafael Stakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a solid contender" to describe entities with a notable chance of success in competitive situations, such as sports, elections, or product comparisons. Ensure the context clearly establishes the competition or selection process.

Common error

Avoid using "a solid contender" in very casual conversation. While grammatically sound, it carries a level of formality that might sound unnatural in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good choice" or "strong possibility" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

A solid contender functions as a noun phrase, where "solid" modifies the noun "contender". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing someone or something that is a strong and credible candidate in a competitive situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

25%

Technology

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a solid contender" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone or something with a significant chance of success in a competitive environment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields. While it's appropriate for neutral to professional settings, overuse in casual conversation should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "a strong candidate" or "a formidable competitor" based on the specific context. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in News & Media, Sports, and Technology, making it a versatile choice for expressing strength and viability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a top contender

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes being among the best.

a prime candidate

Emphasizes the subject's excellent qualifications and suitability.

a strong candidate

Emphasizes the qualifications and suitability of a person for a position.

a frontrunner

Implies that the subject is currently in the lead or favored.

a formidable competitor

Highlights the challenging nature of competing against the subject.

a leading prospect

Suggests potential for future success and prominence.

a likely winner

Suggests a high probability of the subject achieving victory.

a serious threat

Focuses on the potential danger or challenge posed by the subject.

a viable option

Indicates that the subject is a practical and workable choice.

a definite possibility

Highlights the likelihood of the subject succeeding or being chosen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solid contender" to describe someone or something that has a good chance of succeeding in a competition. For example, "The new smartphone is "a solid contender" in the market."

What are some alternatives to "a solid contender"?

Some alternatives to "a solid contender" include "a strong candidate", "a formidable competitor", or "a leading prospect", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a solid contender" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a solid contender" is appropriate for formal settings, such as business presentations, news articles, or academic papers, as it conveys a sense of credibility and strength.

What makes something "a solid contender" rather than just a contender?

The adjective "solid" implies that the contender has a strong foundation, good qualifications, and a realistic chance of winning or succeeding, setting them apart from weaker or less prepared competitors.