lists of candidates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lists of candidates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to multiple groups or sets of individuals who are being considered for a position or role, such as in elections or job applications. Example: "The committee reviewed the lists of candidates before making their final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lists of candidates will always be available.

The New Yorker

Thirty-four parties have submitted lists of candidates for the election to the Knesset.

The Guardian

Each ballot consists of a multipage series of lists of candidates by each and every party.

The New York Times

Party leaders draw up lists of candidates for each of the multi-member districts.

The Economist

Tutors go through bundles of files making lists of candidates they would like to pull out for their college.

The Guardian

His party was also hurt in these Senate elections by internal divisions and numerous "dissident lists" of candidates.

The New York Times

The ballot papers in each country are dominated by lists of candidates from that country's main political parties.

The Economist

Voters (age 18 or older) choose among national lists of candidates (21 or older) offered by political parties and groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather than choosing a specific candidate, voters across the country chose from among rival lists of candidates backed and organized by political parties.

The New York Times

If the law says the lists of candidates had to be filed in a certain way, that is how it has to be".

The New York Times

In the proposed system, each voter across the country would choose from among rival lists of candidates, with the lists typically backed by political parties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing electoral systems that use proportional representation, use "lists of candidates" to accurately describe how parties present their nominees.

Common error

Avoid using "lists of candidates" when referring to a simple endorsement of a single candidate. "Lists of candidates" implies a structured presentation of multiple options, often within a party or organization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lists of candidates" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a compilation or enumeration of individuals being considered or nominated for a particular role, position, or election. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which indicates its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lists of candidates" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, as supported by Ludwig. It's employed across various domains, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, to present a set of individuals for consideration or selection. While the phrase is generally neutral, its formality can shift depending on the context. For variations, alternatives like "candidate rosters" or "candidate pool" can be used to subtly alter the meaning. When using "lists of candidates", ensure the context involves multiple options rather than a singular endorsement to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

candidate rosters

Replaces "lists" with "rosters", implying a more formal or official compilation.

candidate selections

Substitutes "lists" with "selections", focusing on the process of choosing candidates.

slates of candidates

Uses "slates" to suggest a complete list of candidates representing a particular party or group.

pool of nominees

Emphasizes the group of individuals being considered for a position.

register of applicants

Focuses on the formal record of individuals who have applied or been nominated.

candidate lineup

Uses a more informal term, "lineup", to describe the arrangement of candidates.

shortlist of contenders

Specifies a refined list of top candidates after an initial screening.

directory of nominees

Implies a comprehensive listing of individuals proposed for a specific role or election.

group of prospects

Highlights potential candidates who are being evaluated for their suitability.

field of aspirants

Refers to all those aspiring to a particular position or role.

FAQs

How is "lists of candidates" used in political contexts?

In political contexts, "lists of candidates" often refers to the system used in proportional representation, where voters choose a party's entire list rather than individual candidates. This differs from systems where voters select individual candidates.

What's a less formal alternative to "lists of candidates"?

For less formal contexts, you might use "candidate lineup" or "candidate pool", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "lists of candidates" and "candidate rosters"?

While similar, "candidate rosters" often implies a more official or formally maintained record, whereas "lists of candidates" is a more general term.

How do I create effective "lists of candidates" for a job search?

When compiling "lists of candidates" for a job search, focus on diversity, skills alignment, and potential fit within the company culture. Ensure your "shortlist of contenders" includes individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences.