frontrunner

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'frontrunner' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a person or a thing that is ahead of the competition in any race or competition. Example: John has been a front runner in the race for governor since the beginning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, is considered the likely Democratic frontrunner.

The Guardian

Last week, it was revealed that Ray's Kerry Washington is the frontrunner to play that role.

The Guardian - Film

Ms Rodgers, whose party pipped Mr Doherty to second place in 1997, is seen as the frontrunner.

The Guardian

Mr Turner again finds itself the frontrunner, with The Imitation Game gang coming in second.

The Guardian - Film

In related news, Deadline also reports that Will Smith, Tom Hardy and The Wolf of Wall Street's Margot Robbie are in line to star in comic-book epic Suicide Squad for studio Warner Bros. Robbie's interest may have encouraged Dreamworks to approach Johansson for Ghost in the Shell, as the Australian actor was said to be an early frontrunner to star in the anime adaptation.

The Guardian - Film

Coco Pops, Robertson tells me, has been the initial frontrunner in customer popularity stakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The candidate regarded as the frontrunner to lead the Ulster Unionist party has unexpectedly pulled out of the contest.

The Guardian

Balls, the frontrunner for the role, admitted he was surprised, and was said to be disappointed but phlegmatic.

The Guardian

The first world war-set epic, though tipped as an awards frontrunner earlier in the season, had been hobbled by just two Globe nods, as well as a snub yesterday from the Writers Guild of America.

The Guardian - Film

Andy Burnham, the frontrunner for the Labour leadership, will propose that the party learns lessons from the Scottish referendum campaign and set up a separate campaign to keep Britain in the European Union.

The Guardian

Clinton's frontrunner status means she will have to absorb relentless attacks in the 577 days remaining before the election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about elections or competitions, use "frontrunner" to clearly indicate the person or entity currently perceived as most likely to succeed. It adds a sense of momentum and expectation to your writing.

Common error

While "frontrunner" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or serious in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "leader" or "favorite" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "frontrunner" functions primarily as a noun, identifying the individual, team, or entity considered most likely to succeed in a competition or election. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, supported by numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "frontrunner" accurately describes the leading entity in a competition, primarily used as a noun within the English language. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage, particularly within the realm of news and media. While alternatives like ""leading candidate"" or "the favorite" exist, "frontrunner" offers a succinct and recognizable means of conveying leadership status. When crafting your message, prioritize using "frontrunner" in formal and neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading candidate

Emphasizes the role of being a candidate and currently in the lead.

the favorite

Highlights the aspect of being the most likely to win based on expectations.

top contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect and being among the best.

leading competitor

Similar to top contender but emphasizes competition.

the pacesetter

Implies setting the standard or speed for others.

the head runner

Directly refers to being ahead in a race or competition.

the one to beat

Positions the subject as the benchmark that others must surpass.

likely winner

Focuses on the prediction of winning.

presumptive nominee

Used in political contexts to indicate almost certain nomination.

chief candidate

Highlights the candidate as the main one, the principal choice.

FAQs

How do I use "frontrunner" in a sentence?

The term "frontrunner" is used to describe the person, team, or entity that is leading in a race or competition. For example, "She is considered the "leading candidate" in the upcoming election".

What can I say instead of "frontrunner"?

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

Which is correct, "frontrunner" or "front runner"?

"Frontrunner" is the correct and more common spelling as one word. "Front runner" as two words can be used but it typically refers to someone who runs at the front of a race.

What's the difference between "frontrunner" and "forerunner"?

"Frontrunner" refers to the leading person or entity in a current race or competition. "Forerunner" can refer to someone who came before or a sign of something to come, such as a "precursor".