top contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone or something that is a leading candidate or competitor in a particular context, such as a competition or selection process. Example: "After reviewing all the applicants, we believe she is the top contender for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A top contender: French wine.

The New York Times

The other top contender?

The New York Times

Spain is expected to be a top contender as well.

The New York Times - Sports

Peck returns with a top contender in Holiday Road.

The New York Times - Sports

I saw us being a top contender in the A.C.C".

The New York Times - Sports

Hall was the World Boxing Association's top contender.

The New York Times - Sports

But the sensual beauty and bristling emotions of his music surely make him a top contender.

The New York Times - Arts

He is neither a household name nor considered a top contender in a crowded GOP field.

The Guardian

The colt's victory gives the trainer Bob Baffert a top contender for the Kentucky Derby.

The New York Times - Sports

No, he is not the top contender or even in the top three.

The New York Times

He was the U.S.T.A.'s choice over the other top contender, Todd Martin.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top contender" when you want to emphasize someone or something's strong position in a competition, selection process, or ranking. It implies they have a high chance of success.

Common error

While "top contender" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "leading candidate" or "principal applicant" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top contender" functions as a noun phrase, where "top" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "contender". It indicates the leading position of someone or something in a competition or selection process, reflecting Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top contender" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a leading candidate or strong competitor. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently used in News & Media and Sports contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "leading candidate" in academic or professional writing. Remember that while "top contender" implies a high probability of success, outcomes aren't guaranteed. Ludwig confirms the phrase's wide usability and provides a wealth of examples for context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top competitor

Similar to "top contender" but uses "competitor" instead of "contender".

leading candidate

Focuses on the person being a strong choice for a position.

front-runner

Emphasizes the person's perceived lead in a competition.

chief competitor

Highlights the competitive aspect and the person's position in it.

foremost challenger

Similar to "chief competitor" but slightly more formal.

strongest applicant

Highlights the person's strength in an application process.

prime prospect

Indicates someone with high potential or suitability.

principal applicant

Used in application scenarios, emphasizing the applicant's strength.

main rival

Focuses on the competitive aspect and the adversarial relationship.

the one to beat

Idiomatic expression indicating the person everyone else is trying to surpass.

FAQs

What does "top contender" mean?

The phrase "top contender" refers to someone or something seen as a leading candidate or a strong competitor in a particular context, such as a competition, election, or selection process.

What can I say instead of "top contender"?

You can use alternatives like "leading candidate", "front-runner", or "chief competitor" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "top contender"?

The phrase "top contender" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's appropriate for news articles, sports commentary, and general discussions. For highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "principal applicant" or "foremost challenger".

Is "top contender" a subjective assessment?

Yes, the assessment of someone or something as a "top contender" often involves a degree of subjectivity. It's based on available information and perceived strengths but may not always accurately predict the final outcome.