be a frontrunner

USAGE SUMMARY

"be a frontrunner" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to be in a leading or advantageous position in a race, competition, or contest. Example: She knew she had to work hard if she wanted to be a frontrunner for the top spot in the company's leadership program.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sport

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I know I'm not going to be a frontrunner.

Independent

For many, Feedly seems to be a frontrunner.

MIT Technology Review

But he acknowledged he was not going to be a "frontrunner" in the race.

Independent

Suddenly, the halfway serious challenger began to look as if he might just be a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Irish actor Saoirse Ronan was also reported to be a frontrunner at one stage.

The Guardian - Film

This curry would be a frontrunner for my favourite of all time: it's so deeply layered with flavour and interest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

BEING a frontrunner can be tougher than it looks.

The Economist

Each, for a while, was a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's not being a frontrunner, Mike.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wherever there's a frontrunner, there's a backlash waiting to take shape.

The New York Times

Ten years ago, it might have been a frontrunner.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a frontrunner" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has a high probability of succeeding or winning in a competitive environment. It's particularly effective in contexts such as elections, sports, and business.

Common error

Avoid using "be a frontrunner" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when simpler language would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a frontrunner" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

4%

Film

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a frontrunner" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that denotes a leading or advantageous position in a competitive setting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Sport, its register remains generally neutral, leaning towards professional in formal settings. When writing, employ it to effectively communicate a high probability of success, but avoid overuse in informal conversations. For alternative expressions, consider "be a leading contender", "be the favorite", or "be in the lead" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a leading contender

Focuses on being a strong competitor, highlighting capability and potential for victory.

be a strong candidate

Emphasizes suitability and qualifications, suggesting a high chance of selection.

be in the lead

Highlights the current position of dominance, indicating being ahead of others.

be the favorite

Suggests popular belief or expectation of winning, often based on perceived advantages.

be a top prospect

Focuses on future potential and the likelihood of achieving significant success.

be in pole position

Implies the most advantageous starting point or position for achieving success.

be a prime mover

Highlights the active role in initiating or driving progress towards a goal.

be a pacesetter

Focuses on setting the standard and leading others by example or innovation.

be a leading light

Highlights influence and prominence in a particular field or domain.

be a trendsetter

Focuses on influencing and shaping future trends or developments.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a frontrunner" to describe someone or something that is expected to win or be highly successful in a competition or election. For example, "She is expected to "be a frontrunner" in the mayoral race".

What are some alternatives to "be a frontrunner"?

Alternatives include "be a leading contender", "be the favorite", or "be in the lead". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "be a frontrunner" or "become a frontrunner"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Be a frontrunner" suggests a current state, while "become a frontrunner" suggests a process of achieving that state. The choice depends on whether you're describing an existing position or a developing one.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "be a frontrunner"?

Using "be a frontrunner" might be inappropriate in informal or casual settings where simpler language is preferable. It's also best to avoid it in situations where the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative.