alternative winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alternative winner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a primary winner and a secondary option that could be considered a winner under different circumstances. Example: "In the event that the first-place contestant is disqualified, the alternative winner will be announced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If the selected winner fails to respond within 24 hours his/her prize will be forfeited and GNM shall be entitled to select an alternative winner in accordance with the process described above (and that winner will also have to respond to notification of their win within 24 hours or else they will also forfeit their prize).

The Guardian

If winner cannot attend, we will select an alternative winner at random.

Vice

If the winner cannot be contacted by 29th September, an alternative winner may be chosen.

Vice

If the winner cannot be contacted by Friday 27th November 2015, an alternative winner may be chosen.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I prefer taxation to subsidies, as it lets the marketplace choose the alternative energy winners, promotes conservation, and closes, rather than increases, the budget deficit.

The New York Times

There is a statutory alternative to winner-take-all, which happens to be fully constitutional and well-tested in elections in the United States and around the world: fair representation voting.

HuffPost

According to the median voter theorem, the median voter's most preferred alternative is the winner of the majority voting on each pair of alternatives.

SERIEs

A word about the Electoral College: as trendy as it is in progressive circles to bash the Founders' concept, consider the alternative of a winner by a straight popular vote.

Forbes

2009 Alternative Miss World winner Fancy Chance.

Vice

2009 Alternative Miss World winner Fancy Chance (Photo by Robyn Beeche).

Vice

The winner of alternative class with passengers sitting side-by-side was Li-ion Motors, with a battery-powered car that looks like some sort of a green vegetable (but which President Obama's science advisor John Holdren thought was quite good looking) and gets the equivalent of 187 mpg.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alternative winner" when you need to specify a secondary winner selected due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the original winner's inability to claim the prize or fulfill the obligations.

Common error

Avoid using "alternative winner" when you simply mean the runner-up. The term "alternative winner" implies the original winner is unable to fulfill the requirements, necessitating a replacement, not just the second-place finisher.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alternative winner" functions as a noun phrase, where "alternative" modifies "winner". It identifies a substitute or secondary recipient of a prize or award, typically when the original winner is unable to fulfill the requirements. Ludwig confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "alternative winner" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is best used to denote a substitute recipient when the original winner cannot fulfill the prize's requirements. While not extremely common, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it is not simply replacing the term "runner-up", but rather accurately reflecting the replacement of an initial winner, to avoid misinterpretation. Consider using synonyms like "secondary winner" or "backup winner" to enhance clarity, if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary winner

Focuses on the order or ranking of the winner.

backup winner

Implies a pre-designated substitute in case the primary winner cannot fulfill their role.

replacement winner

Highlights the act of replacing the original winner.

substitute winner

Similar to replacement, but emphasizes the role as a stand-in.

reserve winner

Suggests that the winner was held in reserve.

next in line

Emphasizes the sequential order of succession.

runner-up who wins

Highlights that the runner-up eventually becomes the winner.

contingency winner

Stresses that the winner is chosen due to unforeseen circumstances.

fallback choice

Indicates a less preferred option that is chosen if the initial choice is unavailable.

designated alternate

Highlights the official appointment of the substitute.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the term "alternative winner"?

Use "alternative winner" when the original winner is unable to accept the prize or fulfill the obligations, and a secondary selection is made. This is different from a typical runner-up scenario.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "alternative winner"?

You can use phrases like "secondary winner", "backup winner", or "replacement winner", depending on the specific context.

Is "alternative winner" grammatically correct?

Yes, "alternative winner" is grammatically correct and commonly used in contexts where a secondary winner is designated due to the original winner's inability to accept or fulfill the prize.

How does "alternative winner" differ from "runner-up"?

A runner-up is simply the person who came in second place. An "alternative winner" is someone who takes the place of the original winner because that person can't or won't accept the prize or fulfill obligations.