close contender

USAGE SUMMARY

"close contender" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person, thing, or idea that is in close competition or contention with another. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is close to achieving a goal or success. Examples: 1. The two candidates were close contenders in the race for mayor, with only a few votes separating them. 2. The restaurant's signature dish was a close contender for the best meal I've ever had. 3. After months of training, she was a close contender for the gold medal at the Olympics. 4. The new technology was a close contender to become the standard in the industry. 5. The two companies were close contenders for the top spot in the market, constantly battling for customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Gigli close contender.

The New Yorker

In some towns her rival, who elsewhere was a close contender, secured precisely no votes.

The Economist

He also recalled that Mr. Keller "was a close contender for this job last time around".

The New York Times

Gone Home, which has already won several awards, seems to have been a close contender for the prize.

The Guardian - Tech

But the intelligent kicking game of his half-back partner Paul Cooke, who created two tries and landed 11 goals, made him a close contender to Horne as man of the match along with the prop Paul King.

The Guardian - Sport

Another close contender is Les Noces, whose Stravinsky score has been used by Javier de Frutos, and Fokine's 1910 The Firebird, whose own Stravinsky score has been used by Maurice Béjart, for an all-male cast by John Taras for Dance Theatre of Harlem's Caribbean version, and by Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But there were close contenders.

The New York Times - Arts

In my on-again, off-again searches over the years, there have been close contenders.

The New York Times

On May 25, we'll publish the final two winners, along with a list of the many close contenders.

The New York Times

I cannot think of any policy so dishonestly sold – though the localism bill, economic growth strategy and the "big society" are close contenders.

The Guardian - Opinion

An hour in his company confirms all three characteristics, and "loquacious" and "political" must have been close contenders for inclusion too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close contender", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is contending for. Provide specific metrics or achievements to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "close contender" if the gap between the subject and the leader is significant. Overstating the closeness can diminish credibility. Use more moderate terms like "potential challenger" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close contender" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is in strong competition with another. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in describing competitors in elections, sports, and various other competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close contender" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something in near competition with another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts such as politics, sports, and business. It effectively communicates a high degree of competition. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. When using the phrase, make sure that the specific context or competition is evident to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "near rival" or "strong competitor" may offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near rival

Focuses on the competitive aspect, emphasizing a rival that is nearly equal in strength or position.

strong competitor

Highlights the strength and competitive nature of the contender.

serious challenger

Emphasizes the challenging aspect, suggesting a threat to the current leader.

leading candidate

Focuses on candidacy and leadership, implying someone who is likely to win or succeed.

top competitor

Indicates a competitor that is among the best, close to the top position.

chief rival

Highlights the primary competitive relationship between two entities.

major threat

Emphasizes the potential danger or challenge posed by the contender.

next in line

Suggests the contender is immediately behind the leader, ready to take over.

in the running

Implies that someone is still a possible candidate or participant, with a chance of winning.

potential winner

Highlights the possibility of the contender emerging victorious.

FAQs

How can I use "close contender" in a sentence?

You can use "close contender" to describe someone or something that is in strong competition with another. For example, "In the election, the two candidates were "close contenders"".

What are some alternatives to saying "close contender"?

Alternatives include "near rival", "strong competitor", or "serious challenger" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "close contender" in formal writing?

Yes, "close contender" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, reports, and analytical pieces. It's a neutral and descriptive phrase.

What's the difference between "close contender" and "potential winner"?

"Close contender" indicates proximity in a competition or race, while "potential winner" suggests a higher likelihood of success. A "close contender" might not necessarily be the most likely to win, but is near the top.