official candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who has been formally nominated or endorsed for a position, role, or election. Example: "After a thorough selection process, Jane was announced as the official candidate for the mayoral election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its official candidate is not much of a vote-grabber.

The Economist

It got acceptance as an official candidate only in 1999.

The Economist

Only in 1999 was Turkey recognised as an official candidate.

The Economist

Serbia hopes to become an official candidate for membership soon.

The Economist

Serbia finally became an official candidate for EU membership.

The Economist

In 2006 Tharoor was chosen as India's official candidate for the post of secretary-general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

* Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, is also not an official candidate.

The New York Times

The move had been expected, and thus far, Mr. Hadi was the only official candidate.

The New York Times

The Obama and Romney Web sites provide the official candidate positions on many issues.

The New York Times

And never before has the Democratic Party not had an official candidate for Governor here.

The New York Times

Mr. Masuda was the official candidate of the national governing party, the Liberal Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "official candidate", ensure it's clear who has designated the candidate. Providing context about the endorsing party or organization enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "official candidate" without specifying the context. What is "official" to one group may not be to another. Clarify the endorsing body to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "official candidate" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a person who has been formally selected or endorsed to run for a specific position. It signifies legitimacy and backing from a particular organization or party, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "official candidate" is a common and grammatically sound term used to denote a person formally endorsed by an organization to run for a position. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context regarding the endorsing body to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "endorsed nominee" or "party's nominee" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endorsed nominee

Focuses on the act of endorsement by a group or party.

party's nominee

Specifies that the candidate is selected by a political party.

designated contender

Highlights the act of designation and the competitive aspect.

nominated representative

Emphasizes the act of nomination and the role of representing a group.

selected aspirant

Focuses on the selection process and the aspiring nature of the candidate.

chosen applicant

Highlights the application process and the act of choosing a candidate.

preferred runner

Emphasizes the act of running for office and being preferred by a group.

approved hopeful

Focuses on the approval process and the hopeful nature of the candidate.

sanctioned competitor

Highlights the act of sanctioning and the competitive aspect.

recognized nominee

Emphasizes the act of recognition and the nomination of a candidate.

FAQs

How is an "official candidate" chosen?

An "official candidate" is typically chosen through a formal selection process, such as a primary election, caucus, or party convention. The specific method varies depending on the organization or political party involved.

What does it mean to be an "official candidate"?

Being an "official candidate" signifies that the individual has been formally endorsed and recognized by a particular group or organization, such as a political party, to represent them in an election or other competitive process.

What are some alternatives to saying "official candidate"?

You can use alternatives like "endorsed nominee", "party's nominee", or "designated contender" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between an "official candidate" and an independent candidate?

Yes, an "official candidate" is affiliated with and endorsed by a specific group or organization, while an independent candidate runs without any formal party affiliation or endorsement.