the runner up

USAGE SUMMARY

"the runner up" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the person or team who comes in second place in a competition or contest. Example: After a close race, John was announced as the runner up in the annual marathon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The runner up was Allez France - tells about this horse.

The New Yorker

The runner up is aluminum (Al) at 2% of CO2.

Science Magazine

The runner up was Lead Scanner (Russia/Ukraine, AngelList).

TechCrunch

The runner up in this category was payment service Stripe.

TechCrunch

The runner up will win two tickets to Disrupt.

TechCrunch

He was the runner up for league MVP.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On, as always, to the runners up and the winners.

The New Yorker

Prism Sky Labs, the runners up, received a gilded shoe.

TechCrunch

(The runner-up was "fascism").

The New Yorker

What were the runner-up names?

The New York Times - Food

(The runner-up was Van Helsing: about $120m).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the runner up", ensure the context clearly establishes a competition or ranking to avoid ambiguity. For broader applications, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "second best".

Common error

Avoid using "the runner up" when there's no actual competition or ranking involved. For instance, instead of saying "He was the runner up for the promotion", opt for "He was the second choice for the promotion" if there wasn't a formal competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the runner up" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically identifies the individual or team that finishes in second place in a competition or contest, as confirmed by Ludwig AI and numerous examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the runner up" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to identify the individual or team that finishes in second place in a competition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence. While primarily found in news and general contexts, it's essential to ensure its usage aligns with established competitions or rankings. Consider alternatives like "second place finisher" or "silver medalist" for increased clarity or formality. Always check the context to ensure its usage is correct and avoid any ambiguity. This makes it a useful term for various communicative purposes, from acknowledging achievements to clarifying hierarchies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second place finisher

Replaces "runner up" with a more descriptive term, focusing on the act of finishing in second place.

the silver medalist

Specifically used in the context of sports competitions where medals are awarded.

the second best

Generalizes the concept of being in second place, applicable in various contexts beyond competitions.

the second in command

Implies a hierarchical structure where the individual is next in line to the leader.

the vice champion

A more formal and less frequently used term for the person who comes second in a competition.

the finalist

Indicates participation in the final stage of a competition without specifying the exact finishing position, but it can indicate the runner-up depending on context.

the next in line

Suggests a position of succession or potential future leadership.

the near winner

Emphasizes the closeness of the individual to winning.

the second string

Typically used in sports to refer to the backup players.

the bridesmaid

An informal idiom suggesting near success or close defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "the runner up" in a sentence?

You can use "the runner up" to refer to the person or team that came in second place in a competition. For example, "In the marathon, John finished as "the runner up", just behind the champion."

What are some alternatives to saying "the runner up"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "second place finisher", "silver medalist" (in sports), or "second best".

Is it correct to say "runner-up" instead of "the runner up"?

Yes, "runner-up" is a correct alternative. It's often used as an adjective (e.g., "runner-up prize") or a noun, similar to how "the runner up" functions.

What's the difference between "the winner" and "the runner up"?

"The winner" refers to the person or team that achieved first place in a competition, while ""the runner up"" is the one who came in second place. They represent the top two positions in a ranked contest.