a strong favorite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong favorite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is highly preferred or likely to win in a competition or selection process. Example: "In the upcoming election, she is considered a strong favorite among the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, Mr. Carrick calls him a strong favorite.

The New York Times

Romney is a strong favorite to win them all.

The New Yorker

The popular governor would be a strong favorite.

The Washington Post

No skater in decades has entered the Games as such a strong favorite.

The New York Times - Sports

The advantage makes Shiffrin a strong favorite to win this season's slalom title.

The New York Times - Sports

On this basis, the betting sites are still making Romney a strong favorite.

The New Yorker

He is now more than ever considered a strong favorite for the March elections.

The New York Times

But the Yankees are a strong favorite to return to the postseason, which is where they judge themselves.

The New York Times

In political circles, Ms. Banerjee is rated a strong favorite, though few analysts discount the Communist political machine.

The New York Times

Just six months ago, Mr. Primakov was a strong favorite to succeed Russia's first president, Boris N. Yeltsin.

The New York Times

Because the west Houston district is heavily Republican, the winner will be considered a strong favorite in November.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong favorite" to clearly indicate someone or something with a high probability of success or preference in a given context. Ensure the context provides sufficient information to understand why the subject is considered a strong favorite.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong favorite" when the outcome is genuinely uncertain or when there's significant evidence suggesting otherwise. Acknowledge potential challenges or competitors to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong favorite" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object complement, describing someone or something with a high likelihood of success or preference. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strong favorite" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates a high probability of success or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and consistent across various contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object complement. It is suitable for neutral to formal registers and is frequently found in News & Media and Sports reporting. Alternatives include "a leading contender" and "a frontrunner". When using "a strong favorite", ensure that the context supports the assessment and avoid overstating certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect, highlighting the person or thing as a prominent participant in a contest.

a frontrunner

Emphasizes being ahead in a race or competition, suggesting a high probability of winning.

a likely winner

Directly states the high probability of winning, removing any ambiguity.

a probable victor

Uses more formal language to convey the high likelihood of achieving victory.

a top prospect

Highlights potential and future success, particularly in fields like sports or business.

a prime candidate

Suggests suitability and preference, often used in the context of elections or selections.

a shoo-in

An informal term indicating almost certain success, with a tone of confidence.

a sure thing

An informal phrase expressing confidence in a positive outcome.

a preferred choice

Highlights the aspect of being favored or selected over others.

a fancied contender

More common in British English, this indicates a person or thing that is expected to win.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong favorite" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong favorite" to describe someone or something expected to win or be chosen. For instance, "She is "a strong favorite" to win the gold medal" or "The incumbent is "a strong favorite" in the upcoming election".

What can I say instead of "a strong favorite"?

You can use alternatives like "a leading contender", "a frontrunner", or "a likely winner" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a strong favorite" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reporting, academic analysis, and professional contexts. It clearly and concisely conveys a high probability of success or preference.

What makes someone or something "a strong favorite"?

Being "a strong favorite" typically results from a combination of factors, such as past performance, current circumstances, and expert opinions. It suggests a substantial advantage over other contenders.