candidates name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "candidates name" is not correct in written English; it should be "candidate's name" to indicate possession.
You can use it when referring to the name of a specific candidate in contexts such as job applications, elections, or competitions. Example: "Please write the candidate's name on the application form."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The MPs say the employment of assistants and deputies has raised inevitable accusations of cronyism, and they recommend that in the next round of elections, in 2016, candidates name their deputies in advance so that they are all elected on the same ticket.

The Guardian

Voters would use their thumb print on the screen to activate the system, and by touching the candidates name, a red X would be placed in that box, which could be changed and clear at any time".

Forbes

I don't care if the candidates name is Missakian, Ramani, or Krikorian.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Monogram Shop sells cups emblazoned with candidates' names.

The New Yorker

Especially when one isn't sure of the candidates' names.

The New York Times

Instead, only the presidential candidates' names would appear.

The New York Times

The candidates' names are on one side and the tick boxes on the other.

The Economist

The candidates' names and symbols have already been printed on ballot papers.

The Economist

(The tweets were shown to the scientists without the candidates' names, to guard against bias).

The New Yorker

Download by year or search Financial disclosure reports by members or candidates names.

Stanford University

Taking advantage of this, political parties began printing ballots with their candidates' names on them.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct possessive form "candidate's name" when referring to the name of a single candidate. Consider rephrasing to "name of the candidate" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "candidates' name" when referring to a single candidate. This form implies multiple candidates sharing one name, which is rarely the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is intended to denote the name associated with individuals running for a position. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically incorrect, as it requires either a possessive apostrophe or rephrasing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "candidates name" is generally considered grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "candidate's name" when referring to a single individual. As Ludwig AI points out, this is due to the need for a possessive apostrophe. The phrase appears most often in News & Media and Academic contexts, but its incorrect grammar impacts its appropriateness for professional use. Always ensure the proper possessive form or rephrase to "name of the candidate" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candidate's name

Corrected possessive form; singular candidate.

names of candidates

Plural form, emphasizing multiple candidates.

candidate name

Simplified form, omitting the possessive.

full name of the candidate

Emphasizes complete name instead of just surname.

identification of candidates

Focuses on the role of a name as identification.

list of candidates

Focuses on presenting multiple names in the format of a list.

nominee's name

Specific to the context of nominations.

entrant's name

Applicable in contests or competitions.

applicant's name

Used in context of job application.

contender's name

Applicable in competitive scenario.

FAQs

What is the correct way to refer to the name of a candidate?

The grammatically correct way to refer to the name of a single candidate is "candidate's name". Alternatively, you can use "name of the candidate".

When should I use "candidates' name"?

The phrase "candidates' name" should only be used when referring to a single name shared by multiple candidates, which is a very rare occurrence. It's almost always better to use "candidate's name" or "names of the candidates".

What can I say instead of "candidates name" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, use "candidate's name" or consider using the phrase "name of the candidate". Using the correct possessive form improves the clarity and credibility of your writing.

What's the difference between "candidates name" and "candidate's name"?

The phrase "candidates name" is grammatically incorrect. "Candidate's name" is the correct possessive form, indicating the name belongs to a single candidate. If you're referring to multiple candidates, use "names of the candidates".