be a top contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a top contender" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is highly competitive or likely to succeed in a particular context, such as a competition or market. Example: "With their innovative approach and strong team, they are poised to be a top contender in the upcoming tech competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Spain is expected to be a top contender as well.

The New York Times - Sports

If Wall Street wars got Oscars, Herbalife would be a top contender.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the Eagles will still be a top contender next season.

The New York Times

It wasn't long ago that the Panthers were vying to be a top contender in the NFC.

The Washington Post

For that reason, some bankers and analysts had speculated that the bank might not be a top contender for a leading role in the stock sale.

The New York Times

He was expected to be a top contender from the United States in the international race, which begins Sept. 15 in Newport, R.I...

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I saw us being a top contender in the A.C.C".

The New York Times - Sports

National Republicans say openly that Rubio is a top contender to be the Party's 2012 Vice-Presidential nominee.

The New Yorker

The team lost in Game 7 of the opening season's playoff final and has been a top contender since.

The New York Times

Alarcón has long been a top contender for the position of Prime Minister in a transitional government.

The New Yorker

Peter Salmon, a former controller of BBC1 who led the move to Salford, is a top contender for the TV job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a top contender" when you want to emphasize a strong possibility of success in a competitive environment. Ensure that the context clearly defines the field or area where the subject is competing.

Common error

Avoid using "be a top contender" if the subject has significant weaknesses or is clearly an underdog. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a top contender" functions as a predicate nominative, describing the subject's potential or current status as a leading competitor. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a top contender" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something or someone with a high likelihood of success in a competitive situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various reputable sources, particularly in news and media, showcasing its relevance in discussing potential winners or strong performers. While alternatives like "be a leading candidate" or "be a strong competitor" exist, understanding the specific context is crucial for choosing the most appropriate wording. A key consideration is avoiding overstatement if the subject's chances are not genuinely high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a leading candidate

Focuses on being a prominent choice among several options, emphasizing selection rather than general competitiveness.

be a strong competitor

Highlights the competitive aspect, suggesting active rivalry and capability to challenge others.

be in the running

Implies participation and a chance of winning, often used when many are competing.

be a frontrunner

Indicates leading the pack, suggesting an advantage over other competitors.

be a major player

Emphasizes significance and influence in a particular domain.

be a prime prospect

Highlights potential and desirability, often used in recruitment or investment contexts.

be a serious threat

Stresses the potential to undermine or defeat others, focusing on the challenge posed.

be a force to be reckoned with

Suggests power and influence, implying others should take notice and respect their capabilities.

have a good chance

Indicates a reasonable likelihood of success, without necessarily implying top-tier status.

stand a strong chance

Similar to "have a good chance" but emphasizes the robustness of the opportunity or likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a top contender" to describe someone or something with a high likelihood of success in a competition or field. For example: "The new product is expected to "be a top contender" in the market."

What can I say instead of "be a top contender"?

You can use alternatives like "be a leading candidate", "be a strong competitor", or "be a frontrunner" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is a top contender" or "will be a top contender"?

Both "is a top contender" and "will be a top contender" are grammatically correct. "Is" implies current status, while "will be" suggests future potential. The choice depends on the time frame you're referencing.

What does it mean to "be a top contender"?

To "be a top contender" means to have a high probability of success in a competitive situation. It suggests that the person or thing being described has the skills, resources, or advantages needed to win or achieve a desired outcome.