strong contender

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong contender" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means someone or something that is likely to win or succeed in a competition or election. Example: "In the upcoming election, John is seen as a strong contender for the position of mayor due to his experience and strong support from the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're also a strong contender".

Independent

Another strong contender.

The Guardian - Film

Scandinavian crime is a strong contender.

The New York Times - Books

Norma Kamali is a strong contender, too.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course Pleat is a strong contender.

The Guardian - Sport

Beijing had been a strong contender.

The New York Times - Travel

A strong contender for play of the year.

Independent

It could be a strong contender for best documentary.

The New York Times

With the win, Sebastian is another strong contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps Nunhead Reservoir might be a strong contender.

The Guardian

It's a strong contender for Europe's most unusual minibreak.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong contender" to describe individuals, teams, products or ideas that have a realistic opportunity of achieving a specific objective or honor. This indicates credibility and potential.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, using "strong contender" too frequently in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good choice" or "likely to succeed" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong contender" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase that describes the noun "contender". It suggests that the contender possesses significant qualities or attributes that make them a likely winner. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is a common and acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong contender" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight the potential for success of an individual, team, product, or idea. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. While versatile, it’s important to be mindful of the setting and avoid overuse in informal situations. Alternatives such as "leading candidate", "formidable competitor", and "top prospect" can offer more specific shades of meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively leverage "strong contender" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable competitor

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the competition.

leading candidate

Focuses on the front-runner aspect in a selection process.

top prospect

Highlights potential and future success.

major player

Indicates significant influence or impact.

serious threat

Stresses the potential to outperform others.

promising entrant

Suggests a newcomer with good chances.

worthy opponent

Acknowledges the respect and skill of the rival.

genuine possibility

Emphasizes the real chance of success.

viable option

Indicates practicality and feasibility.

likely winner

Expresses a high probability of success.

FAQs

How to use "strong contender" in a sentence?

You can use "strong contender" to describe someone or something with a high probability of success, such as "She is a "leading candidate" in the election" or "This new product is a "serious threat" to established brands".

What can I say instead of "strong contender"?

You can use alternatives like "formidable competitor", "leading candidate", or "top prospect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "strong contender" or "powerfull contender"?

"Strong contender" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Powerfull contender" is grammatically incorrect; the correct adjective to use with "contender" in this context is "strong".

What's the difference between "strong contender" and "top competitor"?

"Strong contender" emphasizes the likelihood of winning or succeeding, while "top competitor" simply highlights the competitive position. A "top competitor" may not necessarily be a "strong contender" if they lack certain advantages.