an exemplary candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exemplary candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is an ideal, or perfect, example of a certain type of person or candidate, especially in a professional context. For example, "John was an exemplary candidate for the job; his qualifications and experience far exceeded our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moreover, Keiko was hardly an exemplary candidate for release.

The New Yorker

Mr. Green was not an exemplary candidate nor did he run an exemplary campaign.

The New York Times

Board member Richard G. Mason praised Tessier, who has been an outspoken advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, as an "exemplary candidate" for the counselor role, and said New York members "did not want our policy of non-discrimination to be affected by the national policy" in an email statement sent to The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So they just convincingly voted for Mark Sanford, a man who cheated on his wife, tried to cover his actions with an absurd story about hiking the Appalachian Trail, and trespassed on his ex-wife's property, over an exemplary Democratic candidate.

The New York Times

"I have been probably the most compliant, exemplary candidate of bail in New Zealand".

The Guardian - Tech

Outside the courthouse after his hearing, Dotcom told reporters he was "probably the most compliant and exemplary candidate," and that he was "surprised, even though I'm going home right now, that my bail conditions have been tightened".

Vice

What also pleased him, Dr. Goldstein said, was that CUNY had "an exemplary pool of candidates" to choose from.

The New York Times

"We've had some very good presidents who have slept around a lot more than Bill Russell ever did, and in the White House, too," proclaims the frumpy national committeewoman Mrs. Gamadge (played by Ms. Ashley), as she comes to the defense of a candidate with an exemplary public life and a marriage more complicated than that of the couple now living in the White House.

The New York Times

For any candidate that would be an exemplary midday's work, but in Mississippi, where the median household income is $30,161, it is a truly astonishing sum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here, the work by Loewer et al. serves as an exemplary case study of how to narrow down lncRNA candidates relevant to one's interest, in this case, association with pluripotency [ 16].

Cell and Bioscience

The drive for candidate status also explains why Serbia is acting in such an exemplary fashion in EU-sponsored talks with Kosovo that began in Brussels earlier this month.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an exemplary candidate" to highlight someone who not only meets but exceeds expectations. This phrase is particularly effective in formal recommendations or when describing someone you wish to elevate above other contenders.

Common error

Avoid using "an exemplary candidate" in casual or informal settings. The phrase's formality can sound unnatural and pretentious if used inappropriately. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a great choice" or "a top applicant" in less formal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exemplary candidate" functions as a noun phrase, where "exemplary" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "candidate". It is used to describe and characterize a particular individual being considered for a role or position. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exemplary candidate" is a phrase used to describe an individual who not only meets but exceeds expectations for a particular role. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate, albeit somewhat rare. Its formal register makes it best suited for professional contexts, like news reporting or official recommendations. When writing, consider alternatives such as "an ideal applicant" or "a prime contender" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Huffington Post use this phrase, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ideal applicant

Replaces "candidate" with "applicant", emphasizing the application process while retaining the sense of suitability.

a prime contender

Shifts the focus to competition and highlights the person's leading position among competitors.

a top-tier choice

Emphasizes the high quality and desirability of the candidate.

a first-rate nominee

Replaces "candidate" with "nominee", appropriate when someone has been formally nominated, and stresses their high quality.

a model selection

Highlights the person as a perfect example for selection.

a perfect fit

Focuses on how well the candidate's skills and qualities match the requirements.

a standout prospect

Emphasizes the person's exceptional qualities and potential.

a shining example

Illustrates that the person is a great example to follow.

an accomplished individual

Shifts focus to the person's overall achievements and competence.

a highly qualified person

States directly that the person has the necessary qualifications and skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "an exemplary candidate" to describe someone who stands out due to their qualifications and character. For example, "She was "an exemplary candidate" for the position, possessing both the skills and the experience necessary for success."

What are some alternatives to "an exemplary candidate"?

Alternatives include "an ideal applicant", "a prime contender", or "a top-tier choice" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an exemplary candidate"?

This phrase is best suited for formal settings such as job recommendations, award nominations, or official evaluations where you want to emphasize the superior qualities of a person.

What makes someone "an exemplary candidate"?

Being "an exemplary candidate" suggests that the person not only meets all the necessary requirements but also demonstrates outstanding qualities, skills, or achievements that set them apart from others. They serve as a model for what the ideal candidate should be.