as a contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is competing for a position, title, or recognition in a particular context, such as sports, politics, or business. Example: "The team has shown remarkable improvement this season, positioning themselves as a contender for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now I want to re-establish myself as a contender.

Independent

Someone the audience would believe as a contender.

The Guardian - Film

"He was putting himself up as a contender.

The Guardian - Books

Flanagan hesitates to rate herself as a contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Burrell, however, refused to dismiss the Mets as a contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Root emerged as a contender for the post in October.

The Guardian

The result established him as a contender to make the 2012 Paralympics in London in August.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, it is viewed as a contender for global leadership in the future.

The New York Times

Mr. Weinstein is expected to back "Fruitvale" as a contender in next year's Oscar race.

The New York Times

A synthetic gene, manufactured in the laboratory, also emerged as a contender.

The New York Times - Science

"I guarantee you St . Louisdoesn't really respect us as a contender," Bruce said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a potential outcome or award, use "as a contender" to demonstrate viability of different possible option. For example, "This technology has been touted as a contender for supporting the next generation of HPC applications."

Common error

Avoid using "as a contender" when the subject lacks any realistic chance of success. Overusing it can diminish the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contender" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the role or status of that entity in a competitive context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a contender" functions to position someone or something as a viable participant in a competition or field. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, though its applications extend into science and general discussions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, and its frequency suggests it's a well-understood and accepted way to describe someone's potential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression follows standard grammatical conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the running

Indicates active participation and a reasonable chance of winning or being selected.

as a potential candidate

Emphasizes the possibility of becoming a candidate, highlighting potential rather than current status.

a likely prospect

Suggests a good chance of success or selection, focusing on positive expectations.

a challenger

Highlights the act of challenging established figures or norms.

as a possible competitor

Focuses on the competitive aspect, suggesting someone who might challenge others.

a viable option

Indicates that the contender is practical and suitable for consideration.

a force to be reckoned with

Highlights the strength and impact of the contender, suggesting they should be taken seriously.

a serious threat

Emphasizes the danger posed by the contender to others in the competition.

a frontrunner

Implies leading the competition or being among the top contenders.

a dark horse

Describes a less known contender who might unexpectedly win.

FAQs

How can I use "as a contender" in a sentence?

You can use "as a contender" to describe someone or something competing for a title, position, or award. For example, "She is viewed "as a contender" for the Nobel Peace Prize."

What are some alternatives to "as a contender"?

Some alternatives include "in the running", "potential candidate", or "possible competitor", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as a contender"?

Yes, "as a contender" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It accurately describes someone or something with the potential to win or succeed.

What does it mean when someone is described "as a contender"?

It means they are being considered a serious possibility for achieving a goal, winning a competition, or obtaining a position. They are seen as having a legitimate chance of success.