up-and-comer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "up-and-comer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is gaining recognition or success, often in a particular field or industry. Example: "The film festival showcased several talented up-and-comers who are expected to make a significant impact in the movie industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Holgorsen's an up-and-comer.

The New York Times - Sports

French up-and-comer Anais Demoustier stars.

Independent

"I'm an up-and-comer," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not yet 25, he was an up-and-comer.

The New York Times - Sports

Or interviewed him as an up-and-comer (Bob Dylan).

The New Yorker

She is an up-and-comer whose interests extend to modeling and acting.

The New York Times - Sports

John Sullivan, Vikings Up-and-comer with good feet in confined areas.

The New York Times

The Brooklyn native and up-and-comer Laquita Mitchell will sing Violeta in "La Traviata".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

At 34-years-old, he is not an "up and comer", he is an "already there".

Independent

It has at least one bonafide up and comer it its portfolio in Evernote.

TechCrunch

I don't know shit else about this up and comer.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "up-and-comer" to describe individuals or entities that have already demonstrated some level of success and are expected to achieve even greater accomplishments in the future. It's best applied when there's tangible evidence of potential.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone an "up-and-comer" solely based on ambition or potential. Ensure there are concrete achievements or demonstrable skills that justify the expectation of future success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up-and-comer" functions as a noun, typically used to describe a person who has begun to experience success in a particular field and is expected to achieve even greater success in the future. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "up-and-comer" is a common and correct way to describe someone who is beginning to be successful and is expected to achieve more in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to highlight individuals with promise, often appearing in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "rising star" or "promising talent" exist, "up-and-comer" specifically conveys a sense of forward momentum. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject has already demonstrated some tangible evidence of their potential, avoiding premature application based solely on ambition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rising star

Focuses on the brightness and potential of the person's future.

promising talent

Highlights the individual's inherent abilities and future potential.

budding professional

Implies someone who is in the early stages of their career but showing great promise.

high-potential individual

A more formal way to describe someone with significant future prospects.

future leader

Emphasizes the person's capability to take on leadership roles in the future.

young gun

An informal term suggesting someone young and ambitious making a splash in their field.

comer

A shortened, less common version of the original phrase.

star in the making

Suggests that someone is developing into a notable figure.

on the rise

Emphasizes the upward trajectory of the person's career or reputation.

fast tracker

Indicates someone who is quickly advancing in their career or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "up-and-comer" in a sentence?

You can use "up-and-comer" to describe someone who is starting to be successful and is likely to be even more successful in the future. For example, "She is an "up-and-comer" in the world of finance."

What can I say instead of "up-and-comer"?

You can use alternatives like "rising star", "promising talent", or "budding professional" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "up-and-comer" or "upcoming"?

"Up-and-comer" refers to a person with growing success, while "upcoming" refers to an event or thing that will happen soon. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "up-and-comer" and "newcomer"?

"Up-and-comer" implies potential for future success based on current progress, whereas "newcomer" simply refers to someone new to a field or activity without necessarily implying future success.