an appropriate candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is suitable or fitting for a particular role, position, or task. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we believe that Sarah is an appropriate candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have no issue with England being an appropriate candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Roan went to the library to find an appropriate candidate.

The New York Times

Arnold reportedly sought out actors from the Romany community for the role but was unable to find an appropriate candidate.

The Guardian - Film

"Allergan strongly believes consumers should seek consultation from a qualified doctor to determine if they are an appropriate candidate for treatment," said Heather Katt, an Allergan spokeswoman.

The New York Times - Health

The Myers nomination was the starkest example yet during the Bush administration of the debate over whether someone who has spent a career vigorously advocating a particular ideological viewpoint is an appropriate candidate to be a federal judge.

The New York Times

His handpicked chief executive, John A. Thain, has said publicly that he hoped Mr. Reed would remain as chairman, and Mr. Reed has acknowledged the difficulty he has had in attracting an appropriate candidate to succeed him.

The New York Times

Given this newspaper's long history of defending civil liberties, reproductive freedom, gay rights and racial justice, we cannot endorse Mr. Ashcroft as an appropriate candidate to lead a department charged with providing justice for all Americans.

The New York Times

Smith was arrested in October 1955, but was also not considered an appropriate candidate for a broader campaign - ED Nixon claimed that her father was a drunkard; Smith insists he was teetotal.

The Guardian

"Mr. Kelly will be given the opportunity to address the board as to why he feels he may be an appropriate candidate to go free on parole," Mr. Everett said.

The New York Times

But no one in her family was an appropriate candidate, and for years she had been on a list of those awaiting kidneys from people who had recently died.

The New York Times

Leo F. Mullin, the chief executive of Delta Air Lines, said United should be considered an "appropriate candidate" but that the government should only give out a loan guarantee with tougher conditions than those imposed by commercial lenders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating someone as "an appropriate candidate", clearly define the specific criteria you are using to assess their suitability. For example, "Based on her experience and skills, she is an appropriate candidate for the project manager role".

Common error

Avoid using "an appropriate candidate" as a generic endorsement. Always provide concrete reasons or evidence to support your claim. Saying someone is "an appropriate candidate" without further explanation weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate candidate" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a person or thing that is suitable or fitting for a specific role, purpose, or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an appropriate candidate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something that is suitable for a specific role or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from science to news media, demonstrating its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific reasons why the candidate is appropriate, avoiding vague generalizations. Alternatives such as "suitable applicant" or "qualified individual" can be used depending on the context, as highlighted in the related phrases section. Understanding the nuances of this phrase ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suitable applicant

Replaces 'candidate' with 'applicant', emphasizing the individual's application for a position.

a qualified individual

Focuses on the qualifications of the person, highlighting their skills and experience.

a fitting nominee

Emphasizes the act of being nominated and suggests the person is well-suited for the honor.

a viable contender

Highlights the competitive aspect, suggesting the person has a good chance of success.

an eligible person

Focuses on whether the person meets the required conditions or criteria.

a desirable choice

Highlights that the person is someone that others would want to choose.

a well-suited person

Emphasizes how good the fit is between the person and the position.

a promising prospect

Indicates a potential for future success in the role or position.

a recommended selection

Suggests that the person has been endorsed or suggested by someone else.

an ideal prospect

Highlights that the person is perfect, and just what is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "an appropriate candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "an appropriate candidate" to describe someone who is suitable for a particular role or purpose. For example, "After careful consideration, we determined that she was "an appropriate candidate" for the position".

What are some alternatives to saying "an appropriate candidate"?

Some alternatives include "a suitable applicant", "a qualified individual", or "a fitting nominee", depending on the context.

What qualities make someone "an appropriate candidate"?

The qualities that make someone "an appropriate candidate" vary depending on the specific context. Generally, it involves possessing the necessary skills, experience, and personal attributes required for the role or task.

Is it better to say "suitable candidate" or "an appropriate candidate"?

Both "suitable candidate" and "an appropriate candidate" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.