be a leading candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a leading candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone who is among the top contenders for a position, award, or opportunity. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, she is expected to be a leading candidate for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

No official replacement has been named, though Fernando Santos is understood to be a leading candidate.

The Guardian - Sport

He is likely to be a leading candidate for president in an election.

The New York Times

He was long considered to be a leading candidate to succeed Mr. Buffett, 82.

The New York Times

He may be a leading candidate for the American League award this season, but Sheffield pointed to a teammate.

The New York Times - Sports

Benjamin Netanyahu, a former prime minister and the current finance minister, would be a leading candidate, he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Sokol, 54, was long considered to be a leading candidate to take over from Mr. Buffett, now 80.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mike Breen is a leading candidate to replace Nessler.

The New York Times - Sports

Burrell was a leading candidate to succeed Warner as C.F.U.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Savannah River Site, near Aiken, S.C., is a leading candidate.

The New York Times

Jordan, though, is a leading candidate for the head coaching job in Denver.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Cameron stood down as leader and, inevitably, Lord Johnson was a leading candidate to succeed him.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about elections or competitions, using "be a frontrunner" can add a sense of dynamism and progress.

Common error

Avoid using "be a leading candidate" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "likely to win" or "top choice" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality that doesn't fit casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a leading candidate" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or adjective complement. It indicates that a person, object, or idea is among the top contenders for a particular position, award, or opportunity, showcasing a high likelihood of success or selection, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a leading candidate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a high probability of success or selection. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for various contexts, though more frequently observed in news, formal, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "be a frontrunner" or "be a top contender" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to consider the formality of the setting when employing this phrase to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a frontrunner

Emphasizes being ahead in a competition or selection process.

be a top contender

Highlights the competitive aspect and strong position.

be a prime candidate

Focuses on suitability and desirability for a role.

be in the forefront

Indicates a position of prominence and visibility.

be a strong possibility

Highlights the likelihood of selection or success.

be a major player

Emphasizes influence and importance in a specific field.

be a likely choice

Focuses on the probability of being chosen.

stand a good chance

Suggests a favorable probability of success.

be highly favored

Highlights external support and preference.

be a hot prospect

Emphasizes desirability and potential.

FAQs

How to use "be a leading candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "be a leading candidate" to describe someone or something that is highly likely to succeed or be chosen. For example, "She "is a leading candidate" for the position of CEO".

What can I say instead of "be a leading candidate"?

You can use alternatives like "be a frontrunner", "be a top contender", or "be a prime candidate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be a leading candidate" or "is a lead candidate"?

"Be a leading candidate" is the more common and grammatically correct phrase. "Is a lead candidate" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "be a leading candidate" and "be a promising candidate"?

"Be a leading candidate" implies a higher probability of success or selection based on current standing, whereas "be a promising candidate" suggests potential and future prospects.