be a strong contender

USAGE SUMMARY

'be a strong contender' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that has a good chance of succeeding or winning compared to others in a competition or contest. For example, "The soccer team has been working hard and they are expected to be a strong contender in the playoffs this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be a strong contender for best documentary.

The New York Times

Perhaps Nunhead Reservoir might be a strong contender.

The Guardian

Mr. Shirzai was widely perceived to be a strong contender.

The New York Times

The dazzling effects look to be a strong contender for an Oscar.

Independent

"There's another Olympics in four years and I've no doubt Jodie will be a strong contender".

The Guardian - Sport

The British No1, Johanna Konta, will be a strong contender in the women's singles.

The Guardian - Sport

At this rate he will be a strong contender for 2011-12 as well.

The Guardian - Sport

But he must now be a strong contender for the vacancy left by Moores at Lancashire.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Bachelet, 58, was expected to be a strong contender if she chooses to seek another term in 2014.

The New York Times

Democrats said that Mr. Courtney, who defeated Mr. Simmons in 2006, could be a strong contender for the nomination.

The New York Times

Mr. Dawidziak said Mr. Ellis would be a strong contender for the position whenever a vote takes place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, use "be a strong contender" to denote a company or product that has a high likelihood of dominating a market segment.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "be a strong contender" in casual conversations. It is best suited for formal or professional discussions and written communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a strong contender" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's likelihood of success in a competition or endeavor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and suitable for formal English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a strong contender" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe someone or something with a high probability of success. It is frequently found in news and media sources, with Ludwig AI confirming its correctness and usability in written English. When using this phrase, consider its formality and ensure it aligns with the tone of your writing. For variety, explore alternatives like "be a leading candidate" or "be a frontrunner". Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in casual conversations, as it is better suited for formal and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a frontrunner

Implies being among the most likely to win from the start.

be a leading candidate

Emphasizes being ahead of others in a competition or selection process.

be a top prospect

Highlights the potential and likelihood of future success.

be a principal challenger

Emphasizes the act of competing against an established leader.

be a formidable opponent

Focuses on the strength and difficulty in competing against someone.

be a chief rival

Highlights a primary competitor in a competitive situation.

be a serious threat

Underscores the potential danger or challenge posed by someone.

be a primary threat

Highlights the potential danger or challenge posed by someone.

be in contention

Suggests being actively involved and having a chance to win.

be a major player

Indicates significant influence and impact in a particular field.

FAQs

How can I use "be a strong contender" in a sentence?

You can use "be a strong contender" to describe someone or something that has a high probability of success, for example: "The new product is expected to "be a strong contender" in the market."

What's a good alternative to "be a strong contender"?

Alternatives include "be a leading candidate", "be a top prospect", or "be a frontrunner", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "be a strong contender" in academic writing?

Yes, "be a strong contender" is suitable for academic writing when discussing potential outcomes or significant factors in a particular field of study. It suggests a well-founded likelihood without overstating a conclusion.

Which is more appropriate, "be a strong contender" or "become a strong contender"?

"Be a strong contender" suggests a current state of high potential, while "become a strong contender" implies a process of developing that potential over time. The choice depends on whether you're describing an existing state or a progression.