strong favourite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong favourite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as sports, competitions, or elections to indicate a contender that is highly likely to win. Example: "In the upcoming election, she is considered the strong favourite to win the seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He remains a strong favourite to win a second term.

The Economist

He is the strong favourite for the final.

The Guardian - Sport

Corbyn remains the strong favourite to defeat Smith.

The Guardian

He remains a strong favourite to win the nomination by Republican-leaning voters.

Independent

Janet Yellen, the central bank's vice-chairman, is now the strong favourite for the top job.

The Economist

For what it's worth, the bookies still make the Serb a strong favourite.

The Guardian - Sport

Halep, the strong favourite to win the whole thing now, is looking good.

The Guardian - Sport

If he wants it then he will be the strong favourite".

The Guardian

None the less, The Fugue is a strong favourite at 8-5 on the machine.

The Guardian - Sport

Woakes is a strong favourite, especially if the pitch is a slow seamer.

The Guardian - Sport

Which is why Roberto Benigni's Life Is Beautiful is such a strong favourite this year.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong favourite" when you want to emphasize a high probability of success or victory, often in competitive scenarios like sports or elections.

Common error

Avoid using "strong favourite" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "likely to win" or "top choice" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong favourite" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It identifies someone or something with a high probability of success. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong favourite" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a high likelihood of success or victory. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used primarily in news and media, as well as sport contexts, to communicate an expectation of a positive outcome. While suitable for general use, it's best to avoid using it in highly informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. With a variety of synonyms like "leading contender" and "frontrunner", you can choose the phrasing that best suits your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavily favored

Similar to "strong favourite" but uses a different adjective.

leading contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect, implying a prominent position in a contest.

frontrunner

Emphasizes being ahead in a race or competition.

likely winner

Directly states the anticipated outcome.

top choice

Highlights selection or preference over others.

odds-on favorite

Uses betting terminology to indicate a high probability of winning.

presumed victor

Suggests an expectation of victory, often based on current circumstances.

the one to beat

Highlights the challenge others face in overcoming the leading position.

most probable

Focuses on the likelihood of a particular outcome.

unchallenged leader

Indicates a dominant position with little or no competition.

FAQs

How can I use "strong favourite" in a sentence?

You can use "strong favourite" to describe someone or something expected to win or succeed, such as "The incumbent is a "strong favourite" to win the election" or "The team is the "strong favourite" to win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "strong favourite"?

Alternatives include "leading contender", "frontrunner", "top choice", or "likely winner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "strong favourite" or should I use another term?

"Strong favourite" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase. Other options, like "heavily favored", carry a similar meaning.

What does "strong favourite" imply about the person or team being described?

It suggests they have a significant advantage or are highly likely to win based on current circumstances, performance, or other relevant factors.