viable contender for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "viable contender for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that has a realistic chance of success or winning in a competition or comparison. Example: "The new startup is a viable contender for the best tech innovation award this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Here, cricket might be a viable contender for second.

The Economist

In any other presidential nomination cycle, O'Malley would look like a viable contender for the Democratic nomination.

The Guardian

Philo was a young male elephant, fifteen years old, only halfway to being a viable contender for breeding rights.

The New York Times

But because the I.O.C. did not pick a North American city today, it makes any United States city a viable contender for 2012".

The New York Times - Sports

Now, in what may be the final chapter of their N.B.A. careers, they hope to make the Nets a viable contender for an N.B.A. title.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a viable contender for 2014 Fighter of the Year, having halted the endless, dreary junior bantamweight run of Omar Narvaez by KO, and taking out two flyweights by stoppage while he was at it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Although Armstrong lost ground on two viable contenders for the yellow jersey, Joseba Beloki of Spain and Christophe Moreau of France, the defending Tour champ remains the favorite.

The New York Times - Sports

This leaves three viable contenders for the "save us from Trump and Cruz" lane of the party.

Huffington Post

Nope! iOS and Android have that locked down for the next few years, and there's very little that could change that — but it does make it a viable contender against WP7 for that coveted bronze medal.

TechCrunch

In 11 years in Congress, he had never faced a viable contender.

The New York Times

Sacramento has quietly gone about making itself a viable contender by founding a USL Pro team and identifying a suburb called Elk Grove as a possible home for a stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "viable contender for", ensure the context clearly establishes the criteria for viability and the nature of the competition or selection process. This adds precision and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "viable contender for" when evidence of actual competitiveness or feasibility is lacking. Exaggerating a candidate's or option's potential can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "viable contender for" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing someone or something as having a realistic chance of success or being a worthwhile choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it applied to various contexts, from political candidates to sports teams and technological innovations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "viable contender for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something or someone with a realistic chance of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Sport, the phrase conveys a neutral register. To enhance clarity, specify the criteria for viability and the nature of the competition. Avoid exaggerating potential to maintain credibility. Alternative phrases include "realistic candidate for" and "strong possibility for". In essence, "viable contender for" is a versatile term that, when used judiciously, adds precision and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realistic candidate for

Focuses on the realism and feasibility of the candidacy.

strong possibility for

Emphasizes the likelihood of something happening or someone succeeding.

potential choice for

Highlights the aspect of selection and possibility.

credible option for

Stresses the believability and trustworthiness of the option.

genuine prospect for

Indicates a real and authentic chance.

legitimate applicant for

Highlights the legitimacy and qualification of an applicant.

serious competitor for

Focuses on the competitive aspect and the seriousness of the contender.

suitable candidate for

Emphasizes the appropriateness and suitability of the candidate.

promising alternative for

Highlights the potential and positive outlook of the alternative.

possible replacement for

Indicates the potential for substitution or replacement.

FAQs

How can I use "viable contender for" in a sentence?

Use "viable contender for" to describe someone or something with a realistic chance of success in a competition or selection. For instance, "The new technology is a "viable contender for" the industry award."

What are some alternatives to "viable contender for"?

Alternatives include "realistic candidate for", "strong possibility for", or "potential choice for", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "viable candidate for" or "viable contender for"?

Both "viable candidate for" and "viable contender for" are correct, but "contender" implies a competitive situation. "Candidate" is a more general term for someone being considered. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What makes someone a "viable contender for" something?

A "viable contender for" something possesses the necessary qualifications, resources, and potential to be seriously considered as a winner or successful participant. This implies they meet the basic requirements and have a realistic chance.