leading contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is a strong candidate or competitor in a particular context, such as a competition or election. Example: "In the race for the championship, she is the leading contender among all the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many Kenyans considered him a leading contender.

The New York Times

He was clearly the leading contender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charlotte, N.C., is a leading contender, as is St . Louis

The New York Times

A leading contender would have to be Sheena Wagstaff.

The Guardian - Arts

The pasta au gratin is a leading contender.

The New York Times

Simcock said Manchester-born Emmeline Pankhurst was a leading contender.

The Guardian

Rupert Murdoch's company, the News Corporation, is a leading contender.

The New York Times

Like Mr. Foust, he has been a leading contender in rally and X game competition.

The New York Times

Mr. Dewhurst, along with Attorney General Greg Abbott, would be a leading contender.

The New York Times

Gonzalez, a leading contender for the Cy Young Award, walked seven batters.

The New York Times - Sports

Goodluck Jonathan, who holds the presidency until the election, is the leading contender (see article).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about elections or competitions, use "leading contender" to clearly indicate the individual or team with the highest likelihood of winning or succeeding. This provides a concise and easily understandable description of their position.

Common error

Avoid using "leading contender" when the situation doesn't involve a direct competition or selection process. For example, don't say "He is the leading contender for the best friend award" unless there is an actual contest for friendship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading contender" functions as a noun phrase, where "leading" acts as an adjective modifying "contender". It identifies an entity as being at the forefront of a competition or selection process, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading contender" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote the frontrunner in a competition or selection process. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and versatility across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in scientific and business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with a competitive scenario to avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "front runner" or "top candidate" can provide nuanced variations while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front runner

Focuses more on the idea of being ahead in a competition or race.

top candidate

Emphasizes suitability and qualification for a particular role or position.

chief competitor

Highlights the competitive aspect and the prominence of the rival.

principal applicant

Suggests a formal application process where this person is the primary choice.

prime prospect

Implies potential and future success in achieving a goal.

main competitor

Highlights the competitive aspect but may not necessarily imply being in the lead.

top prospect

Indicates high potential but not necessarily current leadership.

potential leader

Focuses on the capacity to lead rather than current standing.

likely winner

Predicts a favorable outcome with a strong degree of certainty.

probable successor

Specifies inheritance or succession, often in a formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading contender" to describe someone or something that is most likely to win or succeed in a competition or selection. For example, "She is the "leading contender" for the job after a stellar interview."

What are some alternatives to "leading contender"?

Alternatives to "leading contender" include "front runner", "top candidate", or "chief competitor", depending on the specific context.

Is "leading contender" formal or informal?

"Leading contender" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversations.

What makes someone a "leading contender"?

A "leading contender" is typically someone who has a high probability of success based on their skills, experience, or performance compared to others in a competitive situation.