strong contender for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong contender for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is likely to win or succeed in a competition or comparison. Example: "With her impressive performance this season, she is a strong contender for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A strong contender for play of the year.

Independent

It could be a strong contender for best documentary.

The New York Times

Benicio del Toro was a strong contender for Sicario.

The Guardian - Film

Merritt, from Portsmouth, Va., was considered a strong contender for gold here in the 400.

The New York Times

A pitcher is a strong contender for the first time in 20 years.

The New York Times

"It's been crazy since last year's worlds," said Douglas, a strong contender for the Olympic team.

The New York Times

The dazzling effects look to be a strong contender for an Oscar.

Independent

The Islanders, meanwhile, are a strong contender for their first conference title since 1984.

The New York Times - Sports

It meant he was a strong contender for a medal in the London 2012 games.

The Guardian - Sport

Bardem is also being mentioned as a strong contender for Oscar nominations.

The Guardian

The two-time Oscar nominee is a strong contender for a supporting actor nod.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong contender for" when you want to emphasize a high likelihood of success or selection, but without guaranteeing the outcome. It suggests a favorable position based on current circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "strong contender for" when the outcome is already known or virtually guaranteed. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so using it in a situation where success is assured can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong contender for" functions as a premodifying adjective phrase that describes a noun, indicating a high likelihood of success or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong contender for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something with a high probability of success or selection. Ludwig's analysis reveals its frequent use in news and media, as well as science, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Be mindful of the degree of certainty you want to convey and avoid using it when the outcome is already known. Consider alternatives like "leading candidate for" or "top prospect for" for nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading candidate for

Emphasizes the front-runner status in a competition or selection process.

top prospect for

Highlights potential and future suitability for a role or opportunity.

prime choice for

Suggests being the most favorable or preferred option.

front runner for

Indicates someone who is ahead and likely to win.

serious candidate for

Highlights the gravity and legitimacy of the person under consideration.

likely choice for

Suggests a high probability of being selected.

potential pick for

Focuses on the possibility of being chosen.

viable option for

Implies feasibility and suitability for a specific purpose.

good bet for

Informal way of saying someone is likely to succeed or be chosen.

possible selection for

Suggests there is a chance of being selected.

FAQs

How can I use "strong contender for" in a sentence?

You can use "strong contender for" to describe someone or something that has a high chance of winning or being selected, such as, "She is a "strong contender for" the gold medal."

What are some alternatives to "strong contender for"?

Alternatives include "leading candidate for", "top prospect for", or "prime choice for", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "strong contender to" instead of "strong contender for"?

The correct preposition to use with "strong contender" is "for". Saying "strong contender to" is grammatically incorrect.

What makes someone a "strong contender for" something?

Being a "strong contender for" something usually implies a combination of skill, experience, and favorable circumstances that increase the likelihood of success. Their qualities and preparations should align with what is needed to succeed in the competition.