existing candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a candidate who is currently in a position or being considered for a role, often in contexts like job applications or elections. Example: "We need to evaluate the qualifications of the existing candidate before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If no patterns exist, existing candidate configurations can be tested – to enable always a solution, at least one default configuration should be provided.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The tool, available to its most generous customers (an annual subscription for an individual costs over £3,500) uses a company's existing candidate shortlists to search for other potential hires with similar characteristics.

The Guardian

This API allows the databases to be integrated into existing candidate ranking algorithms and pipelines.

Journal of Cheminformatics

To conclude, existing candidate gene studies in GBC susceptibility have so far been insufficient to confirm any association.

Mutation Research-Reviews in Mutation Research

In this structure, established tracks can prevent existing candidate tracks to be updated and new candidate tracks to be formed on new targets.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The idea here is to make better use of a company's existing candidate database, given that the candidates in it are clearly interested in working for the company, even if they weren't necessarily a great fit for a previously open position.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But no big-name Republican has stepped forward and party leaders have not coalesced around any of the existing candidates.

The New York Times

If any existing candidates in the election could capitalise on this misplaced nostalgia, they might see themselves sharing the podium with Baby Doc.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christie pointedly declined to make an outright denial that he was considering a run for the White House, after days of fevered speculation about his ambitions and dissatisfaction with the GOP's existing candidates.

The Guardian

It is not too late for one or more such candidates to announce themselves, committing themselves to resign in 2017, and for the existing candidates to withdraw from the present race.

The Guardian

She wrote: If any additional Democratic candidates decide to enter the race, they will need to meet the same criteria for participation as the existing candidates: receiving at least 1% in three national polls, conducted by credible news organizations and polling organizations, in the six weeks prior to the debate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing selection or refinement processes, use "existing candidate" to refer to a candidate that is being reevaluated. This highlights the reevaluation process.

Common error

Avoid using "existing candidate" interchangeably with "potential candidate". "Existing candidate" implies current involvement in a process, while "potential candidate" refers to someone who may become involved in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing candidate" functions as a noun phrase modifier. The adjective "existing" specifies and limits the noun "candidate", denoting individuals already under consideration or involved in a process. Ludwig provides various examples of this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Unknown

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing candidate" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a candidate already under consideration. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to distinguish these candidates from potential or new ones, mainly in contexts of science, news, and business. While alternative phrases such as "current applicant" or "incumbent contender" can be used, "existing candidate" is clear and widely understood. Avoiding confusion with "potential candidate" is key to accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current applicant

Replaces "candidate" with "applicant", focusing on the act of applying.

incumbent contender

Uses "incumbent" to emphasize the existing status and "contender" as someone who competes.

present nominee

Emphasizes the nomination aspect of the candidate and their current status.

already considered candidate

Highlights that the candidate is already under consideration.

pre-existing applicant

Similar to "existing applicant" but uses "pre-existing" for added emphasis.

current person of interest

Broadens the term to include someone of interest, not necessarily an applicant.

established candidate

Indicates the candidate has a proven track record or history.

previously identified candidate

Highlights that the candidate was identified at an earlier time.

on-file applicant

Suggests the applicant's information is already in the system.

known contender

Refers to a contender that is already known to the selector.

FAQs

How can I use "existing candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "existing candidate" to refer to someone already being considered for a position. For example, "The committee reviewed the qualifications of each "existing candidate"".

What is an alternative to "existing candidate"?

Alternatives include "current applicant", "incumbent contender", or "present nominee", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "existing candidate" and "potential candidate"?

"Existing candidate" refers to someone actively under consideration, while "potential candidate" refers to someone who might be considered in the future. The key difference lies in the current status of consideration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "existing candidate"?

Use "existing candidate" when you want to emphasize that someone is already part of a selection process, under review, or has previously applied for a role within an organization.