qualified contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "qualified contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that meets the necessary criteria or standards to compete in a particular context, such as a competition or selection process. Example: "After reviewing all the applicants, we believe that Sarah is a qualified contender for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If Obama's award violates the criteria stated in Mr. Nobel's Will, then who is the more qualified contender and what makes him or her more qualified than the current award recipient?

Huffington Post

His prose, their advisers say, should vividly showcase Hillary Rodham Clinton's accomplishments as a Democratic senator from New York and cast her as the most qualified contender.

The New York Times

Polls showed Mr. Cuomo had been the overwhelming favorite of New York voters, and a broad range of party leaders had declared him the most qualified contender for the Senate seat.

The New York Times

She wasn't taking up a place that could have gone to a more qualified contender: Thailand boasts one more Olympic-standard skier than my flat, and he's competing in the men's events.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bill Clinton returned to the campaign trail on Monday to make the case for his wife as the most qualified contender for the White House in living memory, delivering an endorsement that was equal parts personal and pragmatic.

The Guardian

Preparing for his highly anticipated title fight December 1st with qualified contender Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder will enter the ring as the reigning belt holder, wearing the crown since 2015.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The City Council in particular has never had such a large and lively crew of qualified contenders.

The New York Times

Trump extended preliminary offers to several qualified contenders, but they turned him down, citing other commitments.

The Washington Post

There are at least five Democratic candidates in the running, and Mr. Cuomo and the party's delegates should make sure that all of these qualified contenders get places on the primary ballot in September.

The New York Times

To qualify, contenders needed to be born and raised in mainland China (those from Hong Kong or Taiwan weren't included).

Forbes

As literary culture continues on its downhill trajectory -- sliding from the heights of serious thinking to the crass demands of the bottom line -- it becomes ever harder to believe in that not too distant past where intellectuals qualified as contenders for something other than dusty symposiums and the mingy rewards of academic prestige.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "qualified contender" when you want to emphasize that someone not only is participating, but also has the skills and background to potentially win or succeed in a competition or selection process.

Common error

Avoid using "qualified contender" in informal settings. It sounds overly formal. In casual conversation, opt for simpler terms like "good candidate" or "strong competitor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "qualified contender" functions as a noun phrase, where "qualified" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "contender". It describes someone or something that meets the necessary criteria to compete. As Ludwig points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "qualified contender" is a grammatically correct and usable term, as confirmed by Ludwig, that describes someone or something that meets the necessary criteria to compete effectively. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While not extremely common, its use is clear and concise, emphasizing both eligibility and competence. Consider alternatives such as "eligible candidate" or "suitable competitor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, ensure that its level of formality matches the context, reserving "qualified contender" for scenarios that demand a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eligible candidate

Focuses on meeting the requirements for consideration.

suitable competitor

Emphasizes fitness for competition.

capable applicant

Highlights the ability to perform a task.

promising prospect

Suggests potential and likelihood of success.

strong participant

Indicates active involvement with skill.

competent individual

Focuses on possessing the necessary skills and knowledge.

well-suited nominee

Highlights appropriateness for a nomination.

seasoned aspirant

Emphasizes experience and ambition.

accomplished candidate

Highlights achieved accomplishments.

credible possibility

Indicates believability and potential.

FAQs

How can I use "qualified contender" in a sentence?

You can use "qualified contender" to describe someone who meets the criteria to compete or be considered for something, such as "She is a "qualified contender" for the scholarship".

What are some alternatives to "qualified contender"?

Alternatives include "eligible candidate", "suitable competitor", or "capable applicant", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "qualified contender" or "eligible candidate"?

"Qualified contender" emphasizes both eligibility and a level of capability to compete, while "eligible candidate" primarily focuses on meeting the basic requirements. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes someone a "qualified contender"?

Being a "qualified contender" typically involves meeting certain criteria, possessing relevant skills or experience, and demonstrating the potential to succeed in a particular competition or selection process. They would be more than just eligible, but also "strong participant".