a top applicant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a top applicant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is among the best candidates for a position or opportunity. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we are pleased to announce that Jane is a top applicant for the marketing manager role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She ended up as a top applicant for a job that, on paper, she was completely unqualified for".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile, employers may have a hard time finding top applicants.

The New York Times

Many companies have an initial phone interview to get a better sense of their top applicants before they invite them to meet for an interview in person.

WikiHow

An EOC (Employer of Choice) is an organization that is widely recognized to be a good employer and one that top applicants, people who have a choice, end up choosing.

Science Magazine

At Yale, he helped diversify the applicant pool and pioneered the university's use of a "likely letter," sent to top applicants before official acceptances.

The New York Times

The Ladd Fellowship is awarded to top applicants with a strong background and interest in education.

Duke University

Over the next 10 years, the donation will allow the medical school to offer a four-year free ride to its top applicants.

Huffington Post

While some said the event highlighted the super-secret nature of Ivy League admissions, many visiting Princeton said it was simply a case of an overzealous admissions officer who spent months trying to lure top applicants -- who had been accepted to Princeton as well as other elite universities -- to come here.

The New York Times

We propose that one of the integral parts of building a stronger residency program is the ability to recruit top applicants.

Journal of Surgical Education

But a few years ago, HHMI noticed that more and more top applicants for their early-career award were not tenure-track.

Science Magazine

So he had the files of top applicants, who were automatically admitted based on a 1 out of 5 rating, completely rescored.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a top applicant", ensure your supporting details emphasize concrete achievements and skills that demonstrate their superiority over other candidates.

Common error

Avoid labeling every candidate as "a top applicant" without providing specific evidence of their exceptional qualifications. This dilutes the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a top applicant" functions as an attributive noun phrase, modifying the noun "applicant" to indicate superior quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples show it being used to identify candidates who stand out from others in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a top applicant" effectively identifies a highly qualified individual for a specific role or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic spheres. While straightforward in meaning, it's crucial to support this label with concrete evidence of the applicant's exceptional qualities. Alternatives like "a leading candidate" or "a prime applicant" offer subtle variations in emphasis. Remember that consistency in supporting claims is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading applicant

Replaces "top" with "leading", indicating a foremost position among applicants.

a prime applicant

Substitutes "top" with "prime", suggesting an applicant of the highest quality.

an excellent applicant

Uses "excellent" instead of "top" to emphasize the applicant's superior qualities.

a highly qualified applicant

Replaces "top" with a more descriptive phrase, highlighting the applicant's qualifications.

a standout applicant

Emphasizes the applicant's ability to stand out from the rest.

a first-rate applicant

Replaces "top" with "first-rate" indicating high quality.

a superior applicant

Uses "superior" instead of "top" to highlight the applicant's exceptional qualities.

a preeminent applicant

Substitutes "top" with "preeminent", suggesting outstanding distinction.

a stellar applicant

Uses "stellar" to describe an applicant who shines brightly.

an elite applicant

Suggests the applicant belongs to an exclusive, highly qualified group.

FAQs

How can I use "a top applicant" in a sentence?

You can use "a top applicant" to describe someone who is among the best candidates for a position or opportunity. For example, "After reviewing all the applications, we are pleased to announce that Jane is "a top applicant" for the marketing manager role."

What can I say instead of "a top applicant"?

You can use alternatives like "a leading candidate", "a prime contender", or "an excellent applicant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a top applicant" or "the top applicant"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but their usage differs slightly. "A top applicant" refers to one among many top applicants, while "the top applicant" refers to the single best applicant.

What qualities define "a top applicant"?

A "top applicant" typically possesses a combination of outstanding qualifications, relevant experience, strong skills, and a proven track record of success. The specific qualities will vary depending on the position or opportunity.