smarter candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smarter candidate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing candidates for a position, indicating that one candidate has a higher level of intelligence or capability than others. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, we believe that Sarah is the smarter candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1996 and again in 2002, Wadhams led Wayne Allard, a Colorado veterinarian -- and now senator -- to victory over Tom Strickland, a lawyer widely regarded as the smarter candidate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Two old-school, unemployed salesmen finagle internships at Google, then must compete with younger, smarter candidates for prime positions.

Los Angeles Times

Many police departments currently cap "acceptable" general intelligence test scores to reduce turnover, fearing smarter candidates would quickly get bored with day-to-day policing.

Huffington Post

And they say a truly smart candidate is smart enough to know he needs help.

The New York Times

She took the opportunity to imply, as only a mother could, that he was the smartest candidate in the race for mayor.

The New York Times

A smart candidate could even mobilize plenty of financial-sector support in favor of breaking up or otherwise restricting the too-big-to-fail financial entities.

The New York Times

They strike some as evidence that Mr. Gingrich is the smartest candidate in the room — and others that he is a man determined to let you know how much he knows.

The New York Times

"We believe we have a strong, smart candidate in David Weprin, who is not only going to win, but serve the people of the Ninth Congressional District well," Mr. Crowley said in an interview.

The New York Times

I first met Dylan Glenn a few months ago and was curious to watch him for a simple reason: If Governor Bush's "compassionate conservatism" is more than a campaign slogan, it must reside in someone like Mr. Glenn, a smart candidate blessed with charisma and a sense of humor who is taking on a seemingly quixotic political mission.

The New York Times

Thomas Schaller: I think John McCain was the smartest candidate for the Republicans to nominate, in part because he comes from the Southwest.

Forbes

Graphene is considered to be an encouraging and smart candidate for numerous biomedical applications such as NIR-responsive cancer therapy and fluorescence bio-imaging and drug delivery.

Chemico-Biological Interactions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing candidates, ensure you provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim that one is a "smarter candidate". Avoid vague or unsubstantiated assertions.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is a "smarter candidate" without specifying in what area their intelligence manifests or how it benefits the position. Provide context to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smarter candidate" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'smarter' modifies the noun 'candidate'. It serves to describe a specific quality of a potential applicant or nominee. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smarter candidate" is a common way to describe an applicant who is perceived as more intelligent or capable than others. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While the term is frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and business contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to provide context and specific examples to support your assessment. Alternatives like "more intelligent applicant" or "more astute contender" can be used depending on the level of formality and specific qualities you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more intelligent applicant

Replaces "smarter" with a more formal synonym, focusing on intelligence as a key attribute.

more astute contender

Substitutes both words to convey a candidate with keen awareness and shrewdness.

brighter applicant

Uses a simpler synonym for "smarter", suitable for less formal contexts.

more capable nominee

Shifts focus from intelligence to overall capability and suitability for a nomination.

intellectually superior candidate

Emphasizes the candidate's intellectual advantage in a more formal manner.

more insightful contestant

Highlights the candidate's ability to understand situations deeply.

sharper contender

Indicates a candidate with quick wit and intelligence.

more knowledgeable candidate

Focuses specifically on the candidate's breadth of knowledge.

more ingenious applicant

Highlights creativity and resourcefulness in the candidate.

brainier candidate

An informal alternative emphasizing high intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "smarter candidate" to compare the intelligence or capability of different candidates, as in, "After reviewing all applications, we determined that Jane was the "smarter candidate" for the managerial role."

What are some alternatives to "smarter candidate"?

Alternatives include "more intelligent applicant", "more astute contender", or "brighter applicant", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it subjective to call someone a "smarter candidate"?

Yes, it can be subjective. It's better to provide specific reasons or examples to justify why you consider someone the "smarter candidate", such as their problem-solving abilities or relevant experience.

How does "smarter candidate" differ from "more experienced candidate"?

"Smarter candidate" refers to intelligence and problem-solving skills, while "more experienced candidate" indicates someone with more years or types of relevant experience. One can be a "smarter candidate" without necessarily being the most experienced.