leading candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who is the most likely to be chosen for a position or role, often in the context of elections or job applications. Example: "After the interviews, she emerged as the leading candidate for the managerial position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kravchuk became the leading candidate.

The New Yorker

Showalter is the leading candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

Sept. 9 became the leading candidate.

The New York Times

France is leading candidate to command the force.

The Washington Post

The leading candidate, Marine Le Pen, is expectedly missing.

Princeton University

"Bobby Jones is the leading candidate," Valentine said.

The New York Times - Sports

One leading candidate, however, has now ruled himself out.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Campanella's firm was not initially the leading candidate.

The New York Times

Mike Breen is a leading candidate to replace Nessler.

The New York Times - Sports

But carbon nanotubes are emerging as a leading candidate.

MIT Technology Review

Some see him still as the leading candidate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading candidate" when you want to clearly indicate the person or option with the highest probability of success or selection. It conveys a sense of anticipation and strong possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "leading candidate" when the selection process is heavily influenced by subjective factors or personal preferences, as it may create a false impression of objectivity or certainty. In such cases, phrases like "strong contender" or "promising option" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading candidate" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "leading" modifies the noun "candidate". It is used to identify the individual or option considered most likely to succeed in a particular context, such as an election or job application, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading candidate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the person or option most likely to succeed in a selection process. According to Ludwig, its function is to clearly indicate the individual or option with the highest probability of success. Predominantly used in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in formal communication. While alternatives like ""front-runner"" or ""top contender"" can be used, "leading candidate" maintains a professional tone and clearly conveys the expectation of a likely successful outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front-runner

Focuses on the competitive aspect, emphasizing the idea of being ahead in a race.

top contender

Highlights the competitive nature and strong possibility of winning.

chief prospect

Emphasizes the potential and likelihood of being selected or successful.

prime choice

Suggests being the most preferred or suitable option.

foremost applicant

Highlights the position as the most prominent among those applying.

principal nominee

Indicates the top position among those nominated.

favored option

Focuses on the preference given to a particular choice.

likely successor

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

probable winner

Directly suggests a high chance of winning or being selected.

best bet

An idiomatic expression indicating the most promising or reliable choice.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading candidate" to describe someone who is most likely to be chosen for a position, such as "She is the "leading candidate" for the job" or "He emerged as the "leading candidate" after the first round of voting".

What are some alternatives to "leading candidate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "front-runner", "top contender", or "prime choice" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "leading candidate" in a formal context?

Yes, "leading candidate" is suitable for formal contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. It clearly and objectively indicates the person or option with the highest probability of success or selection.

What's the difference between "leading candidate" and "strong contender"?

"Leading candidate" suggests a higher degree of likelihood of success or selection compared to "strong contender". While both phrases indicate a competitive position, ""leading candidate"" implies a more significant advantage or favor, while "strong contender" simply indicates a high level of competitiveness.