a winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a winner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who has achieved victory or success in a competition or challenge. Example: "After months of hard work and dedication, she finally became a winner in the annual marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have a winner!

The New York Times

— Everyone was a winner!

The New York Times

AMERICA loves a winner.

The Economist

"Everybody loves a winner".

The New York Times - Sports

I was a winner.

The Economist

So everyone's a winner.

The Guardian

It was a winner.

The New York Times

"He was a winner.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a winner".

The New Yorker

A winner? Oddly, yes.

The New York Times

Now that's a winner!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a winner" to emphasize the positive outcome or successful achievement of a person, team, or strategy. Ensure context clearly supports the claim of success.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone or something as "a winner" without providing concrete examples or data to support the assertion. Credibility relies on demonstrating tangible success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a winner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying someone or something that has achieved success or victory. Ludwig shows its use across numerous contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptor of positive outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a winner" is a common noun phrase used to describe someone or something that achieves success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be appropriate in specific settings. When using "a winner", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of success to maintain credibility. The high source quality and expert rating underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a victor

Focuses specifically on overcoming an opponent or challenge.

a champion

Implies a higher level of skill and repeated success.

a success story

Emphasizes the narrative of achieving a positive outcome.

a triumph

Highlights a significant achievement or victory.

a top performer

Refers to someone who consistently exceeds expectations.

an achiever

Focuses on the accomplishment of goals and objectives.

a frontrunner

Denotes leading position and high probability of winning.

a high flier

Implies rapid advancement and success in a career or endeavor.

a record breaker

Signifies exceeding a previously established benchmark.

a game changer

Indicates someone or something that significantly alters the course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "a winner" in a sentence?

You can use "a winner" to describe someone or something that achieves success or victory. For instance, "The new product line has proven to be "a winner" for the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "a winner"?

Alternatives include "a victor", "a champion", or "a success story", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a winner" in formal writing?

While "a winner" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "a success" or "an achiever" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "a winner" and "successful"?

"A winner" typically implies triumph over others in a competition or achieving a specific goal, while "successful" is a broader term indicating a favorable outcome or achievement of desired results. You can be successful without necessarily being "a winner" in a competitive sense.