a designated player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a designated player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, where a specific player is assigned a particular role or function within a team. Example: "In the upcoming match, the coach has chosen a designated player to take the penalty kicks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Only Angel looked like a designated player.

The New York Times - Sports

If he had returned to M.L.S., he would have counted as a designated player under the league's rules.

The New York Times - Sports

Garber continued by mentioning one of Beckham's teammates, the American star Landon Donovan, who is also a designated player.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, retaining Adu for the 2008 season would have meant having to give him a designated player tag.

The New York Times - Sports

The rule means that a designated player on defense, and one backup, will have the system in his helmet.

The New York Times - Sports

The planned arrival of Barry Robson as a designated player was augmented by fellow Scot Kenny Miller.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

A team can acquire a second designated player slot via trade, and that player's salary would cost $335,000 toward the budget.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, with an open slot for a third designated player, whom do you think the Red Bulls should pursue?

The New York Times

It also has a roster slot to acquire a second designated player from overseas.

The New York Times

"We just started thinking in the universe of players that are out there, we want to make a decision on what signifies a Galaxy designated player," team President Chris Klein said.

Los Angeles Times

But the league altered the rule in April, granting each team a second designated player, along with the option to purchase a third slot for a luxury tax-like fee, while reducing the charge for each player.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a designated player" in sports writing, clearly define the player's specific role or significance within the team to enhance reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a designated player" automatically implies superior skill; the designation often relates to contract terms or a specific team strategy, not necessarily innate talent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a designated player" functions as a noun phrase, typically identifying a player who holds a specific status within a sports league, often related to salary cap exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its analysis of various source examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrase "a designated player" is a commonly used term, primarily in sports journalism, to denote a player with a special contractual status, typically related to salary cap exceptions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While the phrase itself is grammatically straightforward, understanding its implications requires knowledge of the specific league's rules. Alternative phrases like "a selected player" or "a key player" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's important not to equate "designated player" solely with superior skill, as the designation often involves financial or strategic considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a selected player

Emphasizes the act of choosing a player for a specific purpose, differing from the implication of a pre-defined role.

a specified player

Highlights the defined nature of the player's role, rather than the act of designation.

an assigned player

Focuses on the act of assigning a player to a role or task.

a key player

Highlights the importance of the player's contribution, instead of their designated role.

a marked player

Suggests a player who is specifically targeted or watched.

a named player

Emphasizes that the player has been officially identified or announced.

a point player

Indicates a player specifically tasked with scoring.

a specialist player

Highlights the specialized skills or role of the player.

a rostered player

Refers to a player officially included on the team's roster.

a featured player

Implies the player is prominently showcased or highlighted.

FAQs

How is "a designated player" typically used in sports contexts?

In sports, "a designated player" often refers to a player whose salary exceeds the league's salary cap restrictions, allowing teams to acquire high-profile talent.

What are some alternatives to saying "a designated player"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a selected player", "a key player", or "an assigned player".

What is the significance of the "Beckham Rule" in relation to "a designated player"?

The "Beckham Rule" essentially created the designated player rule in Major League Soccer, allowing teams to sign players whose salaries would otherwise be prohibitive under the league's salary cap.

Is there a difference between "a designated player" and "a key player"?

"A designated player" usually refers to a specific contractual status within a sports league, whereas "a key player" simply means a player who is crucial to the team's performance.