an exceptional candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exceptional candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who stands out positively in a competitive context, such as job applications or academic admissions. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we unanimously agreed that Sarah is an exceptional candidate for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Martin Boyce has turned many heads but painter George Shaw is an exceptional candidate, a true original.

The Guardian - Arts

Dr Peter Belafsky, from UC Davis, said Ms Jensen was "an exceptional candidate for the transplant because she was highly motivated.

Independent

The Department for Education and Skills said the position of children's commissioner was advertised at a £100K a year salary but "that could increase for an exceptional candidate".

The Guardian

But analysts suggested that was precisely Ms. Whitman's problem here: In order to win in California, even when the climate is tough for Democrats, Ms. Whitman has to be an exceptional candidate and run an exceptional campaign.

The New York Times

"I think what Europe wants above all else is a stronger U.S. economy, and that means that Europe has a vested interest in an exceptional candidate being appointed," said Richard Barwell, senior European economist at Royal Bank of Scotland.

The New York Times

Soyinka would have been an exceptional candidate in any of the Oxford poetry elections since 1966 (the Robert Lowell-Edmund Blunden contest) and remains a poet who acts and writes with unwavering courage and humanity.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

While Labour created all-women shortlists, David Cameron's Conservatives tried the slightly less radical option of an A-list; 200 exceptional candidates, 100 of whom would be women, for constituency parties to pick from for the 2010 election.

The Guardian

We find out what you need and present a pre-vetted, exceptional candidate option to you.

Huffington Post

Upon graduation, he was identified as an exceptional officer candidate, "born to command".

The New York Times

"When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP [national selection panel] viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void".

The Guardian - Sport

"When Shane Watson advised of his decision to stand down, the NSP (national selection panel) viewed Brad as the exceptional candidate to step into this leadership void".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exceptional candidate" to highlight specific qualities or achievements that make the person stand out from the competition. For instance, "Her extensive experience and innovative approach made her an exceptional candidate for the leadership position".

Common error

Avoid using "an exceptional candidate" generically; ensure there are tangible reasons supported by evidence. Instead of saying "We need an exceptional candidate", specify the desired skills or qualities: "We need a candidate with exceptional problem-solving abilities and leadership experience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exceptional candidate" functions as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "candidate". It serves to identify and describe a person who is being considered for a position, role, or opportunity, and possesses qualities that make them stand out positively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an exceptional candidate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an individual who stands out due to their superior qualities and qualifications. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples and justifications to avoid subjectivity and ensure credibility. Alternatives like "a remarkable candidate" or "an outstanding applicant" can be used for variety, depending on the context and emphasis. While "exceptional" suggests that individual significantly surpasses expectations due to a specific skill or qualification. To be the best candidate, you need to demonstrate your abilities in such a way as to win the hearts of those looking to fill a position. Therefore the person applying can also strive to be a candidate that can win the hearts of those that see them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable candidate

Replaces "exceptional" with "remarkable", emphasizing the candidate's noteworthiness.

an outstanding applicant

Substitutes "candidate" with "applicant", focusing on the application process.

a top-tier candidate

Uses "top-tier" to indicate high quality and ranking.

a first-rate choice

Emphasizes the quality of the candidate as a "choice".

a highly qualified individual

Focuses on the qualifications of the person.

a stellar prospect

Uses "stellar" to describe the candidate's potential and "prospect" to refer to their future possibilities.

a prime contender

Highlights the candidate's competitiveness and suitability.

a preferred nominee

Suggests the candidate is favored or recommended.

a standout nominee

Replaces "exceptional" with "standout", suggesting the candidate distinguishes themself from others.

a uniquely skilled applicant

Emphasizes the distinct skills the applicant brings to the table.

FAQs

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

You can use "an exceptional candidate" to describe someone who stands out due to their qualifications, skills, or experience, such as, "After reviewing all the applications, we determined that Jane was "an exceptional candidate" for the scholarship".

What are some alternatives to "an exceptional candidate"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable candidate", "an outstanding applicant", or "a top-tier candidate", depending on the context and the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it too subjective to describe someone as "an exceptional candidate"?

While "exceptional" can be subjective, using it effectively requires providing specific reasons and examples to support your assessment. Detailing the candidate's achievements and qualifications helps justify the description and makes it more credible.

What distinguishes "an exceptional candidate" from a good candidate?

While a good candidate meets the basic requirements, "an exceptional candidate" exceeds expectations and brings unique skills, experience, or perspectives that significantly benefit the organization or project. They often demonstrate a level of performance or potential that sets them apart.