preliminary winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary winner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has been selected as the likely winner in an event or competition, but whose win has not yet been finalized. For example, "The judges have declared David the preliminary winner of the chess tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Aboard Rumours, his Thompson 35, Woodhouse was listed as the preliminary winner in one of the three divisions.

The New York Times - Sports

The design was named as a preliminary winner on Friday but this final tally factors in late and overseas votes.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then the preliminary winners were announced: Bathing Suit, a tie between Miss Arizona and Miss California; Talent, Miss Minnesota.

The New Yorker

Defending champion and sixth seed Scott Mitchell will face a preliminary-round winner in his first-round match.

BBC

In 2001, she founded Queen USA to serve as a preliminary competition the winners go on to compete for the top title of Queen of the Universe.

Vice

Two-time BDO champion Ted Hankey was one of four preliminary-round winners.

BBC

This coming weekend's two preliminary semi-finals winners will then go through to meet the two winners of the qualification play-offs, but exactly who plays whom will be decided by 'Club Call'.

BBC

Their only involvement will be to make the Club Call on Friday night, allowing the coach, Nathan Brown, the right to choose which of the preliminary semi-final winners Saints will play at Langtree Park for a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 11 October.

The Guardian - Sport

He made five preliminary regulations: The winners shall return the Cup in good order when required by the trustees so that it may be handed over to any other team which may win it.

Wikipedia

Mr. Gore was the winner in preliminary tabulations, and his campaign has used that fact in its bid to seize the moral high ground in the Florida fight.

The New York Times

Paul Lim, the first player to hit a nine-dart finish in the BDO World Championships - in 1990, will play Russia's Aleksandr Oreshkin in the preliminary round with the winner facing Mervyn King.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preliminary winner" when you want to indicate that the victory is not yet official or subject to change. This is often used in elections or sporting events where results are still being verified.

Common error

Avoid treating a "preliminary winner" as a definitive winner. Always acknowledge the possibility of changes due to recounts, appeals, or other factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary winner" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an individual or entity leading in a competition or election at an early stage. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary winner" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a leader in a competition or election before the final results are confirmed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in writing. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent occurrence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, showcasing its neutral register. When using this term, it's important to avoid assuming finality and acknowledge the possibility of changes to the outcome. Consider using alternatives such as "leading contender" or "provisional champion" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial victor

Replaces "winner" with "victor" and "preliminary" with "initial", emphasizing the beginning stage of winning.

provisional champion

Substitutes "winner" with "champion" and "preliminary" with "provisional", suggesting a temporary or conditional victory.

leading contender

Replaces "winner" with "contender" and "preliminary" with "leading", highlighting the person or team currently in the lead.

presumptive victor

Uses "presumptive" instead of "preliminary", implying an assumption of victory before final confirmation.

apparent winner

Uses "apparent" instead of "preliminary", suggesting a winner based on current evidence.

projected winner

Substitutes "preliminary" with "projected", indicating a forecasted or predicted winner.

anticipated champion

Replaces "winner" with "champion" and "preliminary" with "anticipated", indicating an expected victory.

early leader

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the aspect of leading early in a competition.

frontrunner

A single-word alternative that captures the essence of leading in a race or competition.

in the lead

A more general phrase indicating a position of leadership without necessarily implying an eventual win.

FAQs

How is "preliminary winner" used in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary winner" to describe someone who is initially leading in a competition or election but whose victory is not yet confirmed. For example, "According to early results, she is the "preliminary winner" of the election".

What's an alternative to saying "preliminary winner"?

Alternatives include "leading contender", "provisional champion", or "apparent winner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Does "preliminary winner" guarantee a final victory?

No, "preliminary winner" indicates the leader at a specific point in time, usually before all results are finalized. The final outcome may change after official counts or verifications.

Is it correct to use "preliminary winner" in formal writing?

Yes, "preliminary winner" is acceptable in formal writing, especially in news reports and official announcements, as long as it's clear that the victory is not yet confirmed.