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B1 Noun (plural) #11 most common 16 min read

nominees

Top 11

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips nominees in 30 Seconds

Explanation nominees in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'nominees' is a difficult word. It is better to think of it as 'people in a competition.' Imagine a school contest where five students might win a prize. Those five students are the 'nominees.' You can say, 'These people want to win.' It is a word you use when you talk about famous people on TV, like actors who might win an Oscar. You don't need to use this word often at A1, but you might see it in simple news stories about movies. Just remember: nominees = people who might win. They are the 'chosen' ones from a big group. For example, if your class is choosing a leader, the three people you can vote for are the nominees. It is a special name for people who are waiting to see if they are the best.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'nominees' to talk about awards and simple elections. A nominee is a person who has been picked to be a candidate. If there is a 'Best Student' award, the teacher might pick three nominees. Then, the class votes for one winner. You use 'nominees' when there is a formal process. It is a noun, and it is usually plural because there is more than one person. You can say, 'The nominees for the award are very happy.' It is different from 'winner' because a nominee hasn't won yet. They are still waiting. You will hear this word in movies or when people talk about the Oscars. It is a good word to know for talking about entertainment and school events.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'nominees' refers to people formally suggested for a position or honor. This word is common in professional and political contexts. For example, 'The nominees for the new manager position will be interviewed tomorrow.' It implies that a selection committee has already looked at many people and narrowed the list down. You should be able to use the phrase 'nominees for' followed by the name of the award or job. It is also important to distinguish between a 'nominee' and an 'applicant.' An applicant is anyone who tries for a job, but a nominee is someone who has been officially put forward. You will encounter this word in news reports, office emails, and discussions about social honors.

At the B2 level, 'nominees' is a word you should use with confidence in formal writing and discussions. You understand that it carries a sense of prestige and official recognition. You can use it in various contexts, such as 'presidential nominees,' 'board nominees,' or 'award nominees.' You should also be aware of the grammar: it is a count noun and often appears in the plural. You can use more complex structures, like 'The nominees, all of whom have extensive experience, will meet the press today.' At this level, you might also encounter the word in legal or financial contexts, where a 'nominee' is someone who holds a title for another person. You should be able to discuss the merits of different nominees and understand the process of nomination in detail.

At the C1 level, you recognize the nuances of 'nominees' across different registers. You understand that in a political context, becoming a 'nominee' is the result of a complex primary process. In a corporate context, 'nominees' for a board of directors are often vetted by a nominating committee to ensure they meet specific governance standards. You can use the word in sophisticated sentences, such as 'The lack of diversity among the nominees sparked a significant public debate.' You are also familiar with the legal use of 'nominee' in property and shareholding, where it refers to a person or entity acting on behalf of a beneficial owner. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'shortlist,' 'designees,' and 'contenders,' and you know exactly when to use 'nominees' for the most precise meaning.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'nominees' and its various implications. You can use it to discuss high-level political theory, corporate law, or complex cultural phenomena. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved in different English-speaking cultures. You can use it in highly formal or academic writing, such as 'The selection of nominees for the Supreme Court is a process fraught with ideological tension.' You are also aware of the subtle connotations the word can carry, such as the 'prestige of nomination' versus the 'burden of candidacy.' You can effortlessly switch between the common usage in entertainment and the technical usage in fiduciary law, maintaining perfect tone and accuracy in every context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

nominees in 30 Seconds

Nominees are people officially chosen as candidates for an award or a job.
The word is commonly used in entertainment, politics, and corporate settings.
It is the plural form of 'nominee' and implies a formal selection process.
Being a nominee is a mark of high achievement, even if one does not win.

The term nominees refers to a group of individuals who have been officially proposed or designated as candidates for a specific position, honor, or award. This word is central to democratic processes, corporate governance, and the entertainment industry. When a person is a nominee, they have passed an initial screening or selection process but have not yet secured the final title or prize. It represents a state of 'being in the running,' which carries both prestige and uncertainty. In a professional context, being among the nominees for a promotion suggests that your work has been recognized by leadership. In a political context, nominees are those chosen by their parties to represent them in a general election. The word implies a formal procedure; one does not simply become a nominee by wishing for it; there must be a nominating body or a set of rules that governs how names are put forward.

The Selection Phase: Nominees exist in the critical middle ground between the general population and the final winner. This phase is often characterized by public scrutiny, debates, or voting periods where the merits of each nominee are compared.

The committee spent weeks reviewing applications before finally announcing the five nominees for the 'Employee of the Year' award.

Historically, the concept of a nominee stems from the Latin 'nominare,' meaning to name. In modern usage, it is almost always pluralized when discussing a field of candidates. You will hear this word most frequently during 'awards season' in Hollywood, where the Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys dominate the news cycle. However, its use in the legal and financial sectors is equally vital. For instance, a 'nominee shareholder' is a person or entity that holds shares on behalf of the actual owner to maintain anonymity or facilitate easier transactions. This demonstrates the word's versatility: it can refer to a person seeking glory or a person acting as a legal placeholder. Understanding the nuances of 'nominees' requires recognizing the difference between an applicant (someone who applies) and a nominee (someone who has been selected to move forward).

Formal vs. Informal: In formal settings, nominees are vetted through background checks and interviews. In informal settings, like a group of friends choosing a movie, 'nominees' might simply be the list of films suggested for the night.

All the nominees were asked to prepare a short speech in case their name was called during the ceremony.

The psychological weight of being among the nominees is significant. It creates a sense of competition and high stakes. For a company, the nominees for a board position represent the future direction of the organization. For a nation, the nominees for high office represent the ideological choices available to the citizenry. The word carries a connotation of worthiness; to be a nominee, one must possess qualities that align with the standards of the nominating body. Whether it is a Nobel Prize or a local community service award, the list of nominees serves as a curated selection of excellence. As you use this word, consider the level of formality and the specific field—whether it's artistic, political, or legal—to ensure you are capturing the correct tone of professional anticipation.

The board of directors reviewed the list of nominees for the CEO position, looking for a leader with international experience.

Grammar Note: Nominees is the plural form of nominee. It functions as a count noun, meaning you can have two, three, or many nominees. It is often followed by the preposition 'for' to indicate the prize or position.

The film festival organizers were overwhelmed by the quality of the nominees in the documentary category this year.

After the final vote, the nominees shook hands, demonstrating a spirit of professional sportsmanship.

Using the word nominees correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that identifies a specific group of people. It is most commonly used in the context of competitions, elections, and formal appointments. Because it is a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The nominees are...' rather than 'The nominees is...'). One of the most frequent sentence structures involves the phrase 'nominees for [something].' This clearly identifies the goal or position the candidates are seeking. For example, 'The nominees for the scholarship were all top-tier students.' Here, the word 'nominees' acts as the subject, and the prepositional phrase provides the necessary context. You can also use it as an object: 'The committee selected the nominees based on their previous achievements.' In this case, the action of selecting is performed upon the nominees.

Active Voice Usage: When using the active voice, the nominees are often the ones performing an action, such as attending a gala or waiting for results. Example: 'The nominees gathered in the lobby before the ceremony began.'

The nominees represent a diverse range of backgrounds and professional experiences.

Another common way to use 'nominees' is in the possessive form: 'the nominees' reactions.' Note the placement of the apostrophe after the 's' because the word is plural. This is useful when describing the emotions or behaviors of the group. For instance, 'The nominees' anxiety was palpable as the envelope was opened.' You can also use adjectives to modify 'nominees' to provide more detail. Words like 'potential,' 'final,' 'presumptive,' or 'unsuccessful' help define the stage of the nomination process. 'The final nominees will be announced next Tuesday' tells the reader that there was a larger pool of candidates that has now been narrowed down. Conversely, 'potential nominees' suggests that the selection process is still in its early, speculative stages.

Passive Voice Usage: In formal reports, the passive voice is common. Example: 'The nominees were chosen by an independent panel of experts to ensure impartiality.'

Among the nominees were several first-time authors whose work had taken the literary world by storm.

In academic or legal writing, 'nominees' might appear in the context of fiduciary duties. 'The nominees are required to disclose any conflicts of interest before the vote.' This usage is more technical and refers to the obligations of those being considered for roles of trust. In everyday conversation, you might use the word when discussing TV shows or movies. 'Who are the nominees for Best Actor this year?' is a standard question. Notice how the word 'who' is used to ask about the people, while 'what' might be used to ask about the list of nominees. Whether you are writing a formal letter of recommendation or chatting about the latest reality show, 'nominees' is the precise word to describe those standing on the threshold of a major achievement.

Each of the nominees received a certificate of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the field.

Comparison Structures: You can compare nominees using 'between' or 'among.' Use 'among' when there are more than two. Example: 'It was difficult to choose among so many qualified nominees.'

The press release listed the nominees in alphabetical order to avoid showing any favoritism.

Several nominees withdrew their names from consideration due to personal reasons.

The word nominees is a staple of broadcast media, particularly during news segments covering politics or entertainment. If you tune into a news channel during an election cycle, you will hear reporters discussing 'party nominees' constantly. They might say, 'The Republican and Democratic nominees are preparing for their first televised debate.' In this context, the word carries a weight of national importance. It signifies that these individuals have the backing of their respective political organizations and are now the primary choices for the voters. Similarly, in the world of finance, business news outlets like Bloomberg or CNBC often mention 'nominees for the board' when a major corporation is undergoing a leadership change. Shareholders need to know who the nominees are because these individuals will soon be making decisions that affect stock prices and company strategy.

Entertainment Media: This is perhaps the most common place for the average person to encounter the word. Red carpet interviews always feature the phrase 'one of the nominees.' It adds a layer of glamour and prestige to the conversation.

'And the nominees for Best Original Screenplay are...' is a phrase heard by millions during the annual Academy Awards broadcast.

In a more localized setting, you might hear 'nominees' at a school board meeting, a local club's annual general meeting, or even a high school assembly. For example, a teacher might announce the 'nominees for student council president.' In these scenarios, the word helps to formalize the process, making it feel more official and fair. It signals to the audience that a selection process has occurred and that the names being presented are the result of careful consideration. You might also encounter the word in written form in newspapers, specifically in the 'Lifestyle' or 'Politics' sections. Headlines like 'Meet the Nominees for the City's Highest Honor' are common. In the digital age, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are flooded with the word when fan-voted awards (like the People's Choice Awards) announce their lists, often using hashtags like #Nominees or #AwardNominees.

Corporate Environment: During annual reviews or internal company awards, HR departments will send out emails listing the 'nominees' for various internal recognitions, such as 'Innovator of the Quarter.'

The internal memo congratulated the nominees and invited all staff to attend the virtual awards ceremony on Friday.

Furthermore, in the context of international relations, you might hear about 'nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.' This is a global conversation where the word 'nominees' represents individuals or organizations that have made significant impacts on humanity. The secrecy surrounding these nominees often adds to the intrigue and prestige. In sports, specifically in leagues like the NBA or NFL, 'nominees for the Hall of Fame' are discussed by analysts and fans alike, debating who deserves to be inducted. In all these instances, 'nominees' is a word that bridges the gap between potential and realization. It is a word of transition, marking the moment when a person moves from being one of many to being one of the few selected for consideration. Whether in the high-stakes world of global politics or the community-focused world of local awards, hearing 'nominees' tells you that a decision is imminent.

Radio hosts often debate the merits of the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sparking lively listener call-ins.

Academic Context: Universities often announce 'nominees for the valedictorian' or 'nominees for prestigious research grants,' highlighting the academic excellence of their student body.

The dean introduced the nominees for the Excellence in Teaching award during the commencement ceremony.

The documentary followed the nominees as they campaigned for the position of Prime Minister.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word nominees is confusing it with 'nominations.' While they are related, they represent different parts of speech and concepts. 'Nominees' refers to the people themselves (the candidates), whereas 'nominations' refers to the act of nominating or the status of being nominated. For example, you would say, 'The nominees are waiting,' but 'The nominations were announced yesterday.' Using 'nominations' to refer to people is a common error that can make a sentence sound unnatural. Another common mistake is the spelling of the plural form. Because the singular is 'nominee,' some might mistakenly write 'nominee's' when they mean the plural 'nominees.' Remember that the apostrophe is only for possession, not for making a word plural. 'The nominees (plural) arrived' vs 'The nominee's (singular possessive) car arrived.'

Nominee vs. Applicant: Many people use 'nominees' when they actually mean 'applicants.' An applicant is someone who applies for something themselves. A nominee is usually someone who has been selected or put forward by a third party. If you apply for a job, you are an applicant; if the hiring committee selects you as a final candidate, you might then be called a nominee for the position.

Incorrect: There were ten nominations for the award, and they all looked nervous. (Should be 'nominees')

Another subtle mistake involves the preposition that follows the word. While 'nominees for' is the standard and most common usage, some people incorrectly use 'nominees of.' For instance, 'nominees for the Oscar' is correct, while 'nominees of the Oscar' is not. The word 'of' usually indicates belonging or origin, whereas 'for' indicates the goal or the award being sought. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the distinction between 'nominees' and 'candidates.' While they are often interchangeable, 'nominees' usually implies a more formal, finalized list. In a political race, there might be many candidates early on, but only one nominee from each party after the primaries. Using 'nominees' too early in a selection process can be inaccurate if the formal nomination hasn't actually happened yet.

Confusion with 'Appointees': A nominee is someone being considered; an appointee is someone who has already been given the job. Confusing these two can lead to significant misunderstandings in professional or political contexts.

Correct: The nominees for the position will be interviewed next week. (They haven't been hired yet.)

Finally, there is the issue of 'nominee' in a legal or financial sense. In these fields, a nominee is a person or firm into whose name a security or property is registered, though they are not the actual owner. Some learners might encounter this in a business text and try to apply the 'candidate' definition, leading to confusion. It's important to recognize the context. If the text is about an award show, it's a candidate. If it's about a stock portfolio or a land deed, it's a legal placeholder. Avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing people with processes, mixing up prepositions, and ignoring specialized meanings—will help you use 'nominees' with the precision of a native speaker. Always double-check if the person has been 'named' (nominee) or if they are just 'applying' (applicant).

Incorrect: The nominees of the Nobel Prize were very happy. (Should be 'nominees for')

Pronunciation Error: Some learners misplace the stress, putting it on the first syllable. In 'nominees,' the primary stress is actually on the last syllable: nom-ih-NEES.

Correct: The list of nominees was kept secret until the very last moment.

The nominees for the board of directors were all highly respected in the industry.

When you want to describe people in a selection process, nominees is a very specific choice, but there are several alternatives depending on the context. The most common synonym is 'candidates.' While 'nominees' implies they have been formally named, 'candidates' is a broader term that can include anyone being considered, even before a formal nomination. For example, 'There are many candidates for the job, but only three nominees for the award.' Another close synonym is 'contenders.' This word suggests a more competitive or aggressive environment, often used in sports or high-stakes politics. 'The top contenders for the title' sounds more active than 'the nominees for the title.' If the list has been narrowed down significantly, you might use the word 'finalists.' This emphasizes that they are in the very last stage of the competition.

Nominees vs. Candidates: 'Nominees' is more formal and usually refers to an official list. 'Candidates' is more general and can be used for jobs, elections, or exams.

The nominees for the prize were selected from a pool of over two hundred candidates.

In some contexts, you might use 'entrants' or 'participants.' These words are more common in contests or sporting events where anyone can join by signing up. 'Entrants' doesn't carry the same prestige as 'nominees,' as it doesn't imply a selection process based on merit. For instance, 'All entrants in the marathon receive a t-shirt,' but 'Only the nominees for the MVP award are invited to the gala.' Another interesting alternative is 'prospects.' This is often used in business or sports to describe people who have the potential to be successful but haven't been formally recognized yet. 'The team is looking at several young prospects' means they are scouting talent. Once those prospects are formally put forward for a draft or an award, they become nominees.

Nominees vs. Finalists: A 'finalist' is guaranteed to be in the last round. A 'nominee' might be in a large group that still needs to be narrowed down further, depending on the specific rules of the organization.

While there were many nominees initially, the judges have now narrowed the field down to three finalists.

In the legal world, 'appointees' or 'designees' might be used. An 'appointee' is someone who has already been chosen for a role, while a 'designee' is someone who has been named to perform a specific task. These terms are more functional and less about competition than 'nominees.' For example, 'The President's nominees must be confirmed by the Senate before they become appointees.' This sentence perfectly illustrates the progression from being a candidate (nominee) to having the job (appointee). Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best fits the level of formality and the stage of the process you are describing. Whether you need the prestige of 'nominees,' the generality of 'candidates,' or the intensity of 'contenders,' choosing the right word will make your English sound more precise and professional.

The nominees for the leadership role were all internal employees with over ten years of service.

Register Comparison: Formal: Nominees, Designees. Neutral: Candidates, Finalists. Informal: Runners, Contenders.

Among the nominees were several people who had never been recognized for their work before.

The nominees for the Nobel Prize are kept secret for fifty years to protect the integrity of the process.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-ee' was borrowed from French law to denote the person who receives an action (like 'employee' or 'payee').

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌnɒm.ɪˈniːz/

US /ˌnɑː.məˈniːz/

nom-i-NEES

Rhymes With

degrees employees trustees trainees refugees devotees licensees absentees

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (NOM-i-nees).
Pronouncing the 'i' too long.
Forgetting the 'z' sound at the end of the plural.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'oh'.
Merging the first two syllables too quickly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and media, easily understood in context.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct pluralization and preposition use ('for').

Speaking 4/5

The stress on the last syllable can be tricky for learners.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced in formal announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

name choose person prize vote

Learn Next

nomination candidate election appointee fiduciary

Advanced

shortlist contender designee incumbent aspirant

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

The nominees ARE (not IS) ready.

Possessive Plural

The nominees' (plural) speeches were long.

Prepositional Use

Nominees FOR (not OF) the award.

Countable Nouns

There were MANY (not MUCH) nominees.

Passive Voice in Formal Contexts

The nominees WERE SELECTED by the board.

Examples by Level

The nominees for the prize are here.

The people who might win the prize are here.

Nominees is plural, so we use 'are'.

Who are the nominees?

Which people were chosen to be candidates?

Question form using 'who' for people.

There are four nominees for the game.

Four people can win the game.

Use 'for' to show the competition.

The nominees are very famous.

The chosen people are well-known.

Adjective 'famous' describes the nominees.

I like all the nominees.

I think all the chosen people are good.

Direct object of the verb 'like'.

The nominees wait for the results.

The people are waiting to see who wins.

Present simple tense for a general action.

Look at the nominees on TV.

See the candidates on the television.

Imperative sentence starting with 'Look'.

The nominees are happy to be picked.

The people are glad they were chosen.

Infinitive 'to be picked' explains why they are happy.

The teacher announced the nominees for class president.

The teacher said the names of the students who can be president.

Past tense 'announced'.

Each of the nominees had to give a speech.

Every candidate had to talk to the class.

'Each of the nominees' takes a singular verb, but 'had to' is the same for all.

Are you one of the nominees for the award?

Are you a candidate for the prize?

Question form 'Are you...'

The nominees were chosen by the students.

The students picked the candidates.

Passive voice 'were chosen'.

We need to vote for one of the nominees.

We must pick one person from the list.

Modal verb 'need to'.

The nominees for Best Actor are on the list.

The people who might win the acting prize are listed.

Prepositional phrase 'for Best Actor'.

She was surprised to be among the nominees.

She didn't expect to be a candidate.

'Among' is used for a group of people.

The nominees will meet the judges tomorrow.

The candidates are going to talk to the judges.

Future tense with 'will'.

The nominees for the scholarship were all top-tier students.

The students chosen for the money were all very good.

Compound subject 'The nominees for the scholarship'.

The committee will narrow down the list of nominees next week.

The group will make the list of candidates smaller.

Phrasal verb 'narrow down'.

Being one of the nominees is a great honor for any artist.

It is a big respect to be a candidate.

Gerund phrase 'Being one of the nominees' as the subject.

The nominees represent several different countries.

The candidates come from many nations.

Present simple for a fact.

All the nominees were required to submit a portfolio.

Every candidate had to show their work.

Passive voice 'were required'.

The nominees' names were published in the local newspaper.

The names of the candidates were in the paper.

Possessive plural 'nominees' '.

How many nominees are there for the position of manager?

What is the number of candidates for the job?

Question with 'How many'.

The nominees gathered for a group photo before the event.

The candidates came together to take a picture.

Past tense 'gathered'.

The presidential nominees debated the country's economic future.

The main candidates for president talked about money.

Adjective 'presidential' modifies 'nominees'.

The board of directors reviewed the nominees for the CEO role.

The leaders looked at the candidates for the top job.

Collective noun 'board of directors'.

The nominees were selected based on their long-term contributions.

The candidates were picked because of their past work.

Participle phrase 'based on...'

Several nominees withdrew from the race due to health concerns.

Some candidates quit because they were sick.

Prepositional phrase 'due to'.

The nominees' backgrounds were thoroughly vetted by the agency.

The agency checked the candidates' histories very carefully.

Adverb 'thoroughly' modifies 'vetted'.

It is rare for so many nominees to come from the same company.

It doesn't happen often that many candidates are from one place.

Expletive 'it' construction.

The nominees were asked to maintain confidentiality during the process.

The candidates had to keep secrets.

Noun 'confidentiality'.

The nominees for the literary prize were announced via a live stream.

The candidates for the book award were shown on the internet.

Preposition 'via'.

The nominees for the Supreme Court underwent rigorous questioning.

The candidates for the high court were asked very hard questions.

Adjective 'rigorous' for intensity.

The diversity of the nominees reflects the changing demographics of the industry.

The different types of candidates show how the industry is changing.

Subject-verb agreement: 'diversity' (singular) takes 'reflects'.

The nominees' ideological differences were the main focus of the analysis.

The analyst looked mostly at the candidates' different ideas.

Possessive plural 'nominees' '.

The committee's choice of nominees was criticized for being too conservative.

People said the candidates picked were not modern enough.

Gerund 'being' after 'for'.

The nominees were required to disclose all financial assets and liabilities.

The candidates had to tell about all their money and debts.

Legal terminology 'assets and liabilities'.

Among the nominees were several individuals with unconventional career paths.

Some candidates had very different types of past jobs.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

The nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize are often shrouded in mystery.

People often don't know who the candidates for the peace prize are.

Idiomatic expression 'shrouded in mystery'.

The nominees' performance in the preliminary rounds was exemplary.

The candidates did a very good job in the first parts.

Adjective 'exemplary' meaning excellent.

The selection of nominees for the post-war tribunal was a delicate diplomatic task.

Picking candidates for the court after the war was very sensitive.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

The nominees' collective expertise spans several decades and multiple disciplines.

The candidates together know a lot from many years and subjects.

Verb 'spans' for range.

Critics argued that the nominees were merely pawns in a larger political game.

People said the candidates were just being used by more powerful people.

Metaphorical use of 'pawns'.

The nominees' refusal to engage in negative campaigning was lauded by the press.

The media praised the candidates for not being mean to each other.

Gerund 'campaigning' as part of a noun phrase.

The sheer number of nominees made the deliberation process exceptionally arduous.

Having so many candidates made the decision very hard and long.

Adverb 'exceptionally' modifying 'arduous'.

The nominees for the directorship were vetted for any potential conflicts of interest.

The candidates for the leader job were checked for personal problems with the job.

Technical phrase 'conflicts of interest'.

The nominees' public personas often differ significantly from their private lives.

How the candidates act in public is not like how they are at home.

Plural 'personas'.

The final list of nominees was a testament to the organization's commitment to excellence.

The candidates showed that the group really cares about being the best.

Idiomatic phrase 'testament to'.

Common Collocations

award nominees

presidential nominees

potential nominees

final nominees

board nominees

judicial nominees

unsuccessful nominees

shortlisted nominees

official nominees

likely nominees

Common Phrases

And the nominees are...

— The standard phrase used to introduce candidates at an award show.

The host said, 'And the nominees are...' before opening the envelope.

One of the nominees

— A way to identify a person's status in a competition.

She is proud to be one of the nominees for the prize.

A field of nominees

— The entire group of people being considered.

It was a strong field of nominees this year.

Nominees for the position

— People being considered for a specific job.

The nominees for the position will be interviewed.

List of nominees

— The written names of the candidates.

The list of nominees was published online.

To announce the nominees

— To make the names of the candidates public.

They will announce the nominees at noon.

To select the nominees

— The act of choosing the candidates.

The jury will select the nominees next week.

Among the nominees

— Being part of the group of candidates.

Among the nominees were several famous actors.

To narrow down the nominees

— To reduce the number of candidates.

They need to narrow down the nominees to three.

The nominees' circle

— The group of people who have been nominated.

He joined the elite nominees' circle this year.

Often Confused With

nominees vs nominations

Nominations is the process; nominees are the people.

nominees vs applicants

Applicants apply themselves; nominees are put forward by others.

nominees vs appointees

Appointees already have the job; nominees are still candidates.

Idioms & Expressions

"In the running"

— Being one of the nominees or having a chance to win.

She is still in the running for the top prize.

Informal

"Throw one's hat in the ring"

— To volunteer to be one of the nominees.

He decided to throw his hat in the ring for mayor.

Informal

"On the shortlist"

— To be among the final nominees.

Her name is on the shortlist for the award.

Neutral

"A dark horse"

— A nominee who is not well-known but might win.

The young director is a dark horse among the nominees.

Informal

"Front-runner"

— The nominee who is most likely to win.

She is the front-runner for the nomination.

Neutral

"To make the cut"

— To be selected as one of the nominees.

Only five people made the cut as nominees.

Informal

"Waiting in the wings"

— Potential nominees ready to take over if needed.

There are several nominees waiting in the wings.

Neutral

"To name names"

— To officially announce the nominees.

The committee is finally ready to name names.

Informal

"In the spotlight"

— The status of nominees being watched by the public.

The nominees are now in the spotlight.

Neutral

"The chosen few"

— The small group of nominees selected from many.

The nominees are truly the chosen few.

Literary

Easily Confused

nominees vs Nomination

Similar sound and root.

Nomination is the abstract noun for the act; nominees are the concrete noun for the people.

Her nomination was a surprise to the other nominees.

nominees vs Candidate

Synonymous meaning.

Candidate is more general; nominee implies a formal naming process has already occurred.

Every nominee is a candidate, but not every candidate becomes a nominee.

nominees vs Contender

Both refer to people in a race.

Contender suggests a struggle or competition; nominee is more about the formal status.

The nominees are all strong contenders for the title.

nominees vs Finalist

Both are in the last stage.

Finalist is used for contests; nominee is used for awards and official positions.

The nominees for the Oscar are essentially the finalists of the competition.

nominees vs Appointee

Both involve being chosen.

A nominee is chosen to be considered; an appointee is chosen to do the job.

The President's nominees must wait to become appointees.

Sentence Patterns

The nominees are [adjective].

The nominees are good.

The nominees for the [noun] are [names].

The nominees for the prize are Tom and Sara.

Being one of the nominees is [noun].

Being one of the nominees is an honor.

The nominees were chosen based on [noun].

The nominees were chosen based on their experience.

Among the nominees were [noun phrase].

Among the nominees were several international experts.

The nominees' [noun] reflects [noun].

The nominees' diversity reflects the company's values.

I want to know who the nominees are.

I want to know who the nominees are for the job.

The list of nominees has been [verb].

The list of nominees has been finalized.

Word Family

Nouns

nomination

nominee

nominator

Verbs

nominate

Adjectives

nominated

nominative

candidate

election

appointment

selection

ballot

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, media, and professional environments.

Common Mistakes

The nominations are waiting in the hall. → The nominees are waiting in the hall.
Nominations is the process; nominees are the people.
He is a nominees for the prize. → He is a nominee for the prize.
Use the singular 'nominee' for one person.
The nominees for of the Oscar. → The nominees for the Oscar.
Use 'for' to indicate the award.
The nominee's arrived late. → The nominees arrived late.
Don't use an apostrophe to make a word plural.
The nominees is very talented. → The nominees are very talented.
Nominees is plural and needs a plural verb.

Tips

Plural Agreement

Always use plural verbs with 'nominees.' For example, 'The nominees are...' instead of 'The nominees is...'

Prestige

Use 'nominees' instead of 'candidates' when you want to emphasize the honor of being chosen.

Stress the End

Remember to put the stress on the 'NEES' at the end of the word to sound like a native speaker.

Apostrophe Use

Put the apostrophe after the 's' for the plural possessive: 'the nominees' speeches.'

Awards Season

Pay attention to news in January and February; you will see the word 'nominees' everywhere!

Board Meetings

In a business setting, 'nominees' refers to people suggested for leadership roles.

Etiquette

It is polite to congratulate all nominees, not just the winner.

Scholarships

When applying for prestigious grants, you might be referred to as one of the nominees.

Fiduciary Duty

In law, a nominee has a duty to act in the best interest of the person they represent.

Named

Just remember that 'nom' means 'name.' Nominees are the 'named' ones.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'NAME-ees'. They are the people whose NAMES have been picked for the list.

Visual Association

Imagine a red carpet with five people standing on it, each holding a card with their name on it.

Word Web

Award Election Candidate Prize Selection Vetting Winner Shortlist

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'nominees' in three different contexts: a movie award, a job, and a school club.

Word Origin

From the verb 'nominate', which comes from the Latin 'nominatus', the past participle of 'nominare' (to name).

Original meaning: To name or designate for a specific role or office.

Italic (Latin) -> French -> English.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to assume a nominee has won; always wait for the final announcement.

Commonly associated with 'Awards Season' (January-March) and election years.

The Oscars The Nobel Prize The US Presidential Primaries

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Awards Ceremonies

And the nominees are
Oscar nominees
Grammy nominees
to be nominated

Political Elections

party nominees
presidential nominees
to secure the nomination
nominee for mayor

Corporate Hiring

nominees for the board
final nominees
to vet the nominees
nominee list

Legal/Finance

nominee shareholder
nominee account
nominee company
held by a nominee

School/Community

nominees for student council
community award nominees
to nominate a friend
class nominees

Conversation Starters

"Who do you think are the strongest nominees for the award this year?"

"Have you ever been one of the nominees for a prize at school or work?"

"What do you think of the nominees for the upcoming election?"

"How does it feel to be among the nominees even if you don't win?"

"Which movie nominees are you most excited to see at the ceremony?"

Journal Prompts

If you could be one of the nominees for any award in the world, which one would it be and why?

Describe a time when you had to choose between several nominees for a position. How did you decide?

Write about the importance of having a diverse group of nominees in national awards.

How would you feel if you were announced as one of the nominees for a major honor?

Discuss the difference between being a nominee and being a winner in terms of personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, the singular is 'nominee.' However, because competitions usually have more than one candidate, you will see 'nominees' much more often.

Yes, but usually only if it's a very high-level position where a committee has 'nominated' you. For most jobs, 'candidates' is more common.

A 'shortlist' is the list itself; 'nominees' are the people on that list. You can say 'The nominees are on the shortlist.'

It is pronounced nom-i-NEES, with the stress on the last syllable. This is a common mistake for learners.

No, a nominee is a candidate who might win. However, being a nominee is still considered a great achievement.

The most common preposition is 'for,' as in 'nominees for the award.'

Usually, it refers to people. However, in the context of awards like 'Best Picture,' the 'nominees' can be the movies themselves.

In finance, this is a person or company that holds shares on behalf of someone else to keep the real owner's name private.

This depends on the organization. For the Oscars, they are announced a few months before the ceremony.

It is better to say 'the nominees for the award.' 'Of' is less common and can sound slightly unnatural.