prime candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

'prime candidate' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to someone who is the most suitable or best person for a job, position, or other opportunity. For example: "After considering all of the applicants, we found that Mary was the prime candidate for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oil is a prime candidate.

The Economist

Kenny Lofton was a prime candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words: a prime candidate for Confucian rectification.

Independent

Barber didn't seem a prime candidate for pro golf success.

The New York Times - Sports

Their prime candidate should be the Berghof ruins.

The New York Times

That should be a prime candidate for curtailing tax expenditures.

The New York Times

And Berlioz is a prime candidate for rediscovery.

The New York Times - Arts

AT&T, for example, is a prime candidate.

The New York Times

A prime candidate for catching the Egyptian contagion.

The Guardian

The prime candidate is, of course, the euro.

The Guardian - Opinion

Susie Shapira would seem to be a prime candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prime candidate", ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for selection or suitability. For example, "Given her experience, she is a prime candidate for the leadership role."

Common error

Avoid using "prime candidate" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language would be more appropriate. Overuse in such contexts can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prime candidate" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies someone or something that is highly suitable or favored for a specific role, position, or opportunity. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to nominate or highlight a person or thing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prime candidate" is a noun phrase used to indicate a high degree of suitability or preference for a role or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While its register is primarily neutral to professional, avoid overusing it in overly casual contexts. Consider using alternatives like "leading contender" or "top prospect" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "prime candidate" to convey a sense of superior qualification and potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading contender

This alternative highlights the competitive aspect of being a "prime candidate", focusing on being ahead in a competition or selection process.

top prospect

This phrase emphasizes the potential and future success associated with the candidate, suggesting a promising outlook.

ideal choice

This alternative focuses on the suitability and perfection of the candidate for a specific purpose or role.

perfect fit

This option stresses how well the candidate's skills, qualities, or attributes align with the requirements or expectations of a situation.

front runner

Similar to "leading contender", this term indicates someone who is perceived as having the highest chance of success.

favored applicant

This phrase emphasizes that the candidate has been given preference or advantage over others in a selection process.

preferred option

This highlights that the candidate is the most desirable or advantageous among several possibilities.

best bet

This expression suggests that the candidate represents the safest and most reliable choice for achieving a desired outcome.

logical selection

This points out that the candidate is the most rational and sensible choice, based on available information and criteria.

most suitable person

This emphasizes that the candidate's characteristics and qualifications make them particularly well-matched for a particular role or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "prime candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "prime candidate" to describe someone or something highly suitable for a particular role or purpose. For example, "She is a prime candidate for the scholarship due to her academic achievements."

What are some alternatives to saying "prime candidate"?

Alternatives include "leading contender", "top prospect", or "ideal choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a prime candidate for" or "the prime candidate for"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a prime candidate for" is generally used when referring to one among many possibilities, while "the prime candidate for" suggests a more definitive or unique suitability.

What makes someone a "prime candidate"?

A "prime candidate" typically possesses the necessary qualifications, experience, or attributes that make them particularly well-suited and likely to succeed in a given situation or role.