in contention for

USAGE SUMMARY

"in contention for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or a thing that is competing for something or that is a possible choice in a competition. For example: "She is in contention for the job of manager at the local grocery store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are the key films in contention for major gongs.

Independent

Four drivers were in contention for the world championship.

The Economist

Hopefully, I'll be able to get in contention for Sunday".

The New York Times - Sports

He's been in contention for four straight weeks.

Independent

Black himself has never been in contention for the job.

Independent

The Eagles are in contention for the N.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very much in contention for second or third".

The New York Times - Sports

Victor Wanyama is back in contention for Southampton.

Independent

He was not in contention for a semi-final spot.

The Guardian - Sport

London In contention for a regional-list seat.

The Guardian

The Giants are still in contention for the playoffs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in contention for" when you want to convey that someone or something has a reasonable possibility of achieving a goal or winning a competition. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts, offering a balanced tone.

Common error

Avoid using "in contention for" when referring to situations where there is no actual competition or defined goal. For example, it would be incorrect to say "He is in contention for being tired" since tiredness isn't something one competes for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in contention for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state of being involved in a competition or being considered as a possible choice for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in contention for" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of active competition or eligibility for something, commonly found in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility in both formal and informal contexts. While highly prevalent, it should only be employed when describing an actual competitive scenario. Alternatives include phrases like ""competing for"" and ""vying for"", each carrying its own unique nuance. Ultimately, understanding the appropriate context ensures its effective use in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing for

Focuses specifically on the act of actively competing.

vying for

Implies a more intense or competitive struggle.

in the running for

Suggests a position among potential candidates or winners.

eligible for

Highlights the qualification aspect of being considered.

a candidate for

Emphasizes the potential for selection or appointment.

in the hunt for

Suggests an active search or pursuit.

in the frame for

Implies a favorable position or consideration.

battling for

Highlights the struggle or effort involved in competing.

challenging for

Suggests an active effort to overcome obstacles.

a contender for

Highlights the ability and likelihood of winning.

FAQs

How to use "in contention for" in a sentence?

The phrase "in contention for" indicates that someone or something is competing or eligible for a particular prize, position, or title. For example, "The athlete is "competing for" the gold medal" or "Several candidates are "vying for" the managerial role".

What can I say instead of "in contention for"?

You can use alternatives such as ""competing for"", ""vying for"", or "in the running for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "out of contention for"?

Yes, "out of contention for" is the opposite of "in contention for" and means no longer competing or eligible for something. For instance, "After the injury, the team was "no longer eligible for" the championship".

What's the difference between "in contention for" and "in line for"?

"In contention for" suggests active competition or eligibility among multiple candidates. "In line for", however, suggests a higher probability or expectation of receiving something, often due to seniority or a predetermined order. For example, "She's "likely to receive" a promotion".