likely contender for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely contender for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that has a good chance of winning or being selected for a particular position, award, or recognition. Example: "With her impressive track record, she is a likely contender for the Best Actress award this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Each team is a likely contender for a medal.

The New York Times

You guess he would gladly do that in exchange for having another likely contender for 2012.

The Guardian - Sport

Pumped up by Alonso's exceptional results last year, Ferrari remains confident and a likely contender for the title.

The New York Times - Sports

Geoff Hill, the editor of ITN-produced 5News, is also a likely contender for the vacant post.

The Guardian

If an Olympic competition for overplotted movie is ever held, "Circus" seems a likely contender for the gold.

The New York Times

A likely contender for the presidency is Edgar Lungu, the defence minister, who stood in recently as acting president.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

All of these looked likely contenders for $1bn£650m0m) global.

The Guardian - Film

The Scarlets and Cardiff Blues, both coached by New Zealanders, look more likely contenders for the top six.

The Guardian - Sport

Certainly well to the left of any of the likely contenders for the leadership of the Labour party.

The Guardian

Instead some big-name Republicans, including likely contenders for the White House, have dodged invitations to whack the president with the cudgel proffered by Mr Netanyahu.

The Economist

Nexos, a Mexican magazine, recently asked six likely contenders for the presidency in 2012 whether Mexico should legalise marijuana if California did.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely contender for" when you want to convey that someone or something has a good probability of achieving a particular goal or winning a competition. It suggests a strong possibility without guaranteeing the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "likely contender for" when the outcome is already determined or highly improbable. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty and possibility, so make sure the context reflects that.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely contender for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the noun as having a strong probability of achieving a specific goal or winning a competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely contender for" is a versatile and widely used expression, effectively communicating a strong probability or potential for success. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While "strong candidate for", "probable nominee for", and "leading prospect for" offer semantically similar alternatives, the original phrase maintains its effectiveness in conveying anticipation and potential. Remember to avoid overstating certainty when employing this phrase, ensuring the context appropriately reflects the inherent uncertainty of future outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strong candidate for

Replaces "likely contender" with "strong candidate", focusing on the strength of the person or thing being considered.

Probable nominee for

Specifies the context as a nomination, emphasizing the probability of being nominated.

Leading prospect for

Highlights the potential for future success or selection.

Frontrunner in the race for

Emphasizes the competitive aspect and leadership position.

A good bet for

Implies a high probability of success, using a more informal tone.

Favored to win

Focuses specifically on winning, implying a strong likelihood of victory.

A shoo-in for

Suggests an almost certain outcome, indicating very high confidence.

Expected to compete for

Highlights the anticipation of active competition.

Viable option for

Emphasizes the feasibility and practicality of the choice.

In contention for

Indicates active participation and possibility of achieving the goal.

FAQs

How can I use "likely contender for" in a sentence?

The phrase "likely contender for" is used to indicate that someone or something has a good chance of achieving a specific goal or winning a competition. For example, "She is a "likely contender for" the gold medal."

What can I say instead of "likely contender for"?

You can use alternatives like "strong candidate for", "probable nominee for", or "leading prospect for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "unlikely contender for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it conveys the opposite meaning. "Unlikely contender for" suggests that someone or something has a low probability of achieving a goal.

What is the difference between "likely contender for" and "potential candidate for"?

"Likely contender for" suggests a stronger possibility and higher probability of success compared to "potential candidate for". While both indicate possibility, "likely contender" implies a greater advantage or suitability.