a strong contender for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong contender for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is likely to win or succeed in a competition or comparison. Example: "This film is a strong contender for the Best Picture award at the Oscars this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A strong contender for play of the year.

Independent

It could be a strong contender for best documentary.

The New York Times

Benicio del Toro was a strong contender for Sicario.

The Guardian - Film

Merritt, from Portsmouth, Va., was considered a strong contender for gold here in the 400.

The New York Times

A pitcher is a strong contender for the first time in 20 years.

The New York Times

"It's been crazy since last year's worlds," said Douglas, a strong contender for the Olympic team.

The New York Times

The dazzling effects look to be a strong contender for an Oscar.

Independent

The Islanders, meanwhile, are a strong contender for their first conference title since 1984.

The New York Times - Sports

It meant he was a strong contender for a medal in the London 2012 games.

The Guardian - Sport

Bardem is also being mentioned as a strong contender for Oscar nominations.

The Guardian

The two-time Oscar nominee is a strong contender for a supporting actor nod.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While versatile, this phrase is most impactful when the competition or selection is significant. Use it sparingly for minor situations to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong contender for" in very casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong contender for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is likely to succeed or win in a particular context. It highlights the competitive potential of the subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse domains illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong contender for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a high likelihood of success or selection. According to Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media, with notable presence in scientific and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional registers, adding weight and clarity to your writing. When considering related phrases, remember that "a leading candidate for" and "a frontrunner for" offer similar emphasis, with slight differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong candidate for

Emphasizes the qualities and suitability for a certain position.

a major contender for

Emphasizes the importance and strength of a person or thing competing for something.

a leading candidate for

Emphasizes being ahead of others in a selection process.

a frontrunner for

Highlights being in the foremost position among competitors.

a serious challenger for

Highlights the competitive aspect, focusing on opposition and potential upset.

a top prospect for

Focuses on potential and future success.

a prime choice for

Suggests being particularly well-suited or desirable.

a likely winner of

Directly predicts a successful outcome in a competition.

a viable option for

Focuses on feasibility and practicality of a choice.

a possible pick for

Suggests one among many options, without strong emphasis on success.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong contender for" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong contender for" to describe someone or something with a high probability of winning or being selected. For instance, "She is "a strong contender for" the gold medal" or "This book is "a strong contender for" book of the year".

What are some alternatives to "a strong contender for"?

Alternatives include "a leading candidate for", "a frontrunner for", or "a top prospect for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a strong contender for" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate that someone or something has a good chance of success.

What is the difference between "a strong contender for" and "a possible candidate for"?

"A strong contender for" suggests a high likelihood of success, whereas "a possible candidate for" simply indicates that someone or something is being considered, without implying a high probability of success.