front runner for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "front runner for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or entity that is leading in a competition or has the best chance of winning. Example: "In the race for the presidency, she is the front runner for the Democratic nomination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Boyd believes Raleigh is still the front runner for the Apple campus.

Forbes

Mattingly has been described as the front runner for the position by multiple national media outlets.

Los Angeles Times

Denmark is considered the front runner for valuing inclusion in disabled children [ 30].

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr Massa has become a front-runner for 2015.

The Economist

Ms Lagarde is the front-runner for the position.

The Economist

It is considered a front-runner for the Academy Awards.

The New York Times

realDonaldTrump is the front-runner for the Republican Presidential nomination.

The New Yorker

Ms. Ulmer is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.

The New York Times

Santander is regarded as the front-runner for the latter.

The Guardian - Business

Mitt Romney, considered an early front-runner for the nomination, came a respectable second.

The Economist

It is not clear whether there is a front-runner for the job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "front runner for" to clearly indicate someone or something with a high likelihood of success in a competitive situation. Ensure the context supports the claim of leadership or strong potential.

Common error

Avoid using "front runner for" in situations that don't involve competition or selection. For example, it's incorrect to say "This technology is the front runner for solving climate change" if no alternative solutions are being actively compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "front runner for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, describing a leading position or strong likelihood in a competitive context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, showcasing its role in indicating a high probability of success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "front runner for" is a valid and useful expression for indicating the leading candidate or most likely option in a competitive scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds common usage in news media and scientific writing. While alternatives like "leading candidate for" and "top contender for" exist, "front runner for" provides a succinct way to convey the sense of being in a pole position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading candidate for

Emphasizes the position of being ahead in a selection or election.

top contender for

Highlights the competitive aspect and strong potential for success.

favorite to win

Focuses on the predicted outcome of a competition.

odds-on choice for

Implies a high probability of being selected, often used in betting contexts.

likely successor to

Indicates a high probability of taking over a position or role.

probable winner of

Directly states the expectation of winning a competition.

pole position for

Draws an analogy to racing, indicating the leading spot.

in the lead for

Highlights the current status of being ahead in a process.

the pick for

Suggests a likely or favored selection.

tipped for

Implies external endorsement or prediction of success.

FAQs

What does "front runner for" mean?

The phrase "front runner for" describes a person, thing, or idea that is considered the most likely to succeed or win in a competition, election, or selection process.

What can I say instead of "front runner for"?

You can use alternatives like "leading candidate for", "top contender for", or "favorite to win" depending on the context.

Is "frontrunner for" one word or two?

"Front runner" is typically written as two words. While "frontrunner" as a single word is sometimes used, it's less common and can appear less formal.

How do you use "front runner for" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "She is the "front runner for" the Democratic nomination" or "The new technology is the "front runner for" addressing the company's efficiency issues."