the clear winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the clear winner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a situation in which one person, team, or organization has won decisively over all competitors. Example: After the semifinal round of the math competition, it was clear that Team A was the clear winner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The clear winner is Kraft".

The New York Times

Miller Lite was the clear winner.

The New York Times

Land preservation is the clear winner.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama was the clear winner.

The New York Times

The Steel Frame model, though, was the clear winner.

The New York Times

That makes him the clear winner of the Lyondell Play.

Independent

If you want space, the BMW is the clear winner.

Independent

#Strictly the whole series ruined, kellie was the clear winner.

Independent

The clear winner here was none of the above".

The New York Times

When temperature is an issue, shortening is the clear winner.

The New York Times - Food

And on Thursday, Mr. Cuomo emerged as the clear winner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the clear winner" to emphasize a decisive victory or a significantly better outcome compared to alternatives. This phrase adds impact and clarity to your writing, especially in contexts where multiple options or competitors exist.

Common error

Avoid using "the clear winner" when the outcome is based on personal preference or subjective criteria. This phrase implies an objective, measurable advantage, so it's inappropriate if the result depends on individual taste or opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the clear winner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig AI confirms its use in identifying the individual or entity that has definitively prevailed in a competition, election, or comparison, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the clear winner" is a noun phrase used to emphatically identify the individual or entity that has achieved a decisive victory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in News & Media. Use it when you need to express an unmistakable victory based on objective criteria. Be aware to avoid using the phrase in contexts that hinge on subjective viewpoints. Semantically related alternatives include "the obvious victor" or "the undisputed champion", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the obvious victor

Replaces "winner" with "victor", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

the undisputed champion

Emphasizes the lack of challenge to the winner, highlighting their dominance.

the conclusive victor

Highlights the decisive nature of the victory, leaving no room for doubt.

the outright champion

Indicates that the winner won directly, without needing a tie-breaker or further competition.

the certain victor

Implies a predictable or highly anticipated victory, where the outcome was almost assured.

the definitive victor

Underscores that the victory is final and establishes the winner beyond any question.

the guaranteed success

Shifts focus from direct competition to a predicted positive outcome.

the front runner

Implies an ongoing competition where one participant has a distinct advantage.

the dominant force

Highlights power or influence rather than just winning.

the top dog

An informal phrase indicating the leader in a hierarchy or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "the clear winner" in a sentence?

You can use "the clear winner" to describe someone or something that has decisively won or is superior in a competition or comparison. For example, "After the debate, most viewers felt that she was "the clear winner"".

What are some alternatives to "the clear winner"?

Alternatives include "the obvious victor", "the undisputed champion", or "the definitive victor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a clear winner" or should it always be "the clear winner"?

While "a clear winner" is grammatically correct, "the clear winner" is more commonly used when referring to a specific situation or competition where a winner has emerged decisively. "A clear winner" might be used in a more general, hypothetical context.

What is the difference between "the clear winner" and "the apparent winner"?

"The clear winner" suggests an objective and undeniable victory, while "the apparent winner" implies that the victory is evident or seems to be the case, but there might be underlying factors or unresolved issues that could change the outcome.