the prime candidate

USAGE SUMMARY

"the prime candidate" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most qualified or ideal candidate for a particular job or role. For example, "After considering all of the applications, we decided that John was the prime candidate for the management position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prime candidate is, of course, the euro.

The Guardian - Opinion

Curiously, Berti Vogts has been mooted as the prime candidate.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the prime candidate would be the company's flagship Madden series, for which sales have slowed.

The New York Times - Tech

"I would say they are the prime candidate for relocation," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

And he never singled out any city as the prime candidate to get an existing team.

The New York Times - Sports

A deadline of Dec. 31 is in place to choose a site, with San Francisco still the prime candidate.

The New York Times - Sports

The prime candidate is capital investment -- the spending by business on all the equipment and facilities needed for production.

The New York Times

If so, Google would be the prime candidate, given its investment and board-level involvement in the company.

The Guardian - Tech

In present fusion reactors designs, beryllium pebble beds are the prime candidate for use as neutron multiplier for the helium cooled pebble bed (HCPB) breeder blankets.

Fusion Engineering and Design

"We need another Exxon Mobil in the pipeline industry to look and invest long term, and Kinder Morgan is the prime candidate to fill that role.

The New York Times

After Roy Smalley singled, Nielsen was replaced by Shirley, the prime candidate for release or demotion to Columbus when Ron Guidry comes off the disabled list.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the prime candidate", ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for candidacy. This provides a solid foundation for why this individual or item is considered the best choice.

Common error

Avoid using "the prime candidate" without providing adequate justification. Simply stating someone is the prime candidate without backing it up weakens your argument. Instead, offer concrete reasons or evidence to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the prime candidate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig shows its use in identifying the most suitable or likely choice for a specific role or position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prime candidate" is a frequently used noun phrase used to denote the most suitable or favored choice for a role or situation. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While Ludwig AI classifies its grammatical status as Correct, it is important to provide a basis for calling someone or something “the prime candidate”. Alternatives include "the leading contender" and "the top choice". For best use, ensure your justification is sound when writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the leading contender

Replaces "candidate" with "contender", emphasizing competition and the act of striving for something.

the frontrunner

Highlights the person or thing that is currently ahead or most likely to succeed.

the top choice

Focuses on the act of selecting or preferring someone or something above others.

the most likely option

Emphasizes the probability or likelihood of a particular outcome or selection.

the preferred selection

Highlights the aspect of having a preference or inclination towards a specific choice.

the best bet

Implies that something is a safe or reliable choice, maximizing chances of success.

the ideal applicant

Focuses specifically on a person applying for a role and possessing the most desirable qualities.

the first choice

Highlights that the candidate is the best option available or considered.

the most suitable person

Emphasizes the fitness or appropriateness of someone for a specific role or task.

the candidate of choice

Highlights the act of actively choosing a certain candidate.

FAQs

How can I use "the prime candidate" in a sentence?

You can use "the prime candidate" to indicate someone or something that is the most suitable or likely choice for a particular role or purpose. For example, "After the interviews, she emerged as "the prime candidate" for the job".

What are some alternatives to "the prime candidate"?

Alternatives to "the prime candidate" include "the leading contender", "the frontrunner", or "the top choice", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "prime candidate" or "primary candidate"?

"Prime candidate" is generally preferred over "primary candidate" when indicating the most suitable or qualified person. "Primary" simply means first or main, while "prime" implies excellence or superiority. Using "prime candidate" suggests that the person or object has the most potential or is most fit for the role.

What does "the prime candidate" imply?

"The prime candidate" suggests that the person, object, or idea being referred to is highly favored or most likely to succeed. It implies a thorough evaluation has been made and that this selection is the best or most promising choice for a specific situation or task.