as a frontrunner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a frontrunner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is leading or ahead in a competition or situation. Example: "As a frontrunner in the race for the championship, she has set a remarkable pace that others are struggling to match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lance Armstrong stands out as a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Sport

Dartmoor was selected as a frontrunner early on.

The Guardian - Film

Hugo and Ender's Game's Asa Butterfield, 18, was previously cited by Deadline as a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Film

True to form, he misreads "Film" as "Milf" and promptly nominates Kate Winslet as a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Film

Ford CEO Alan Mulally was once seen as a frontrunner for the Microsoft job.

The Guardian - Tech

Just 24 hours ago Lou Ye was being tipped as a frontrunner for this year's Palme d'Or.

The Guardian - Film

It is widely seen as a frontrunner for next month's Oscars and also has 11 nominations at the Baftas.

The Guardian - Film

If that were not sufficient explanation for his success, they also emphasised Hillary Clinton's weakness as a frontrunner.

The Guardian

While flagged as a frontrunner in Monday's reports, Peris does not yet have the job with the AFL.

The Guardian

And Sir Hugh, seen as a frontrunner to be the next permanent Scotland Yard chief, has been vocal in his criticism, suggesting politicians were irrelevant to the process.

Independent

After brainstorming a number of situations which would encourage female bonding, the idea of a mountain climb emerged as a frontrunner.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a frontrunner" when you want to emphasize someone's or something's leading position in a competitive context, whether it's in politics, sports, or business. It suggests they are a strong contender with a high chance of success.

Common error

Don't use "as a frontrunner" in situations where there isn't a clear sense of competition or where leadership isn't being actively contested. Using it incorrectly dilutes its impact and can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a frontrunner" primarily functions as a supplementary descriptor, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It provides additional information about the subject, indicating its leading position in a race, competition, or selection process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Film

15%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a frontrunner" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone or something in a leading position within a competitive context. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for describing leading status in various scenarios. The phrase's neutral register and widespread use across news, film, and sports media make it a versatile descriptor. When using "as a frontrunner", ensure the context involves a competition to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "as a leading candidate" or "in the lead" to vary your language and maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a leading candidate

Replaces "frontrunner" with "leading candidate", focusing on the competitive aspect.

as a top contender

Emphasizes the competitive nature and strong possibility of success.

as the favorite

Highlights the subject's perceived likelihood of success.

in the lead

A more concise way of saying someone is ahead.

at the forefront

Highlights being at the leading edge or most advanced position.

as a key player

Focuses on the importance and influence of the individual or entity.

as a major force

Emphasizes influence and impact.

as a prime mover

Suggests the individual or entity is driving progress or change.

as a pacesetter

Implies setting the standard or speed for others.

in pole position

A more figurative and informal way of saying someone is in the lead, originating from motorsports.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a frontrunner" to describe someone or something leading in a competition or field. For example, "She emerged as a frontrunner in the mayoral race due to her strong policy proposals."

What are some alternatives to "as a frontrunner"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "as a leading candidate", "as the favorite", or "in the lead".

Is it appropriate to use "as a frontrunner" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a frontrunner" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, business analyses, and academic discussions, as it clearly conveys a leading position in a competitive scenario.

What's the difference between "as a frontrunner" and "as a contender"?

"As a frontrunner" suggests a leading position with a high probability of success, while "as a contender" simply indicates someone who is competing and has a chance of winning, regardless of their current standing.