a key participant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key participant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who plays an important or significant role in an event, project, or discussion. Example: "During the conference, Sarah was a key participant in the panel discussion on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In both movements Yeats was a key participant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Government officials are said to consider Mr. Glisan a key participant in the demise of Enron.

The New York Times

Ehud Barak, the defense minister, who leads the Labor Party, will be a key participant, carefully watching public reaction.

The New York Times

He joined the Board of Directors of Becker in 1968, and in 1974 was a key participant in the formation and leadership of Warburg Paribas Becker.

The New York Times

Since Annie Sprinkle, the pornography star turned performance artist, is a key participant in the proceedings, this is not entirely surprising.

The New York Times

He practiced with the law firm of Paul, Weiss and was a key participant in the historic Sullivan V. Wainwright death row appeal.

The New York Times

Bill Evans (1929-1980) A key participant on Miles Davis's Kind of Blue, and a major influence in modal jazz and on modern pianists including Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau.

The Guardian - Music

This is the story of that escape, based on the account of a key participant who, fearing for the safety of friends, associates and family in Tibet, would not allow himself to be identified.

The New York Times - Magazine

Iraq has also provided safe haven to Abdul Rahman Yasin, one of the F.B.I.'s most-wanted terrorists, who was a key participant in the first World Trade Center bombing.

The New York Times

Five California condors, an endangered species brought back from near-extinction through a captive breeding program (the zoological society has been a key participant in it) live in a six-story aviary on the hillside.

The New York Times - Travel

Pakistan has still not released its most senior Taliban prisoners, most importantly the former second in command, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who Kabul believes could be a key participant in any future peace talks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key participant", ensure the context clearly establishes the event, activity, or discussion in which the person is significantly involved. Provide specific details about their role to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a key participant" if the person's involvement is minimal or superficial. Use more accurate descriptors like "an observer" or "a minor contributor" to prevent exaggerating their role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key participant" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies an individual as having a crucial role in a particular activity or event, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key participant" is a noun phrase used to denote an individual's significant involvement in a specific activity or event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the event and the person's specific role to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "an important contributor" or "a significant player", which offer slightly different nuances in emphasizing the individual's impact. While generally appropriate, avoid using it if the person's involvement is minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key player

Direct synonym, but omits "participant", focusing on activity.

an important contributor

Emphasizes the contribution made by the person rather than just their presence.

a significant player

Highlights the individual's influence and impact within a specific context.

a central figure

Indicates that the person is at the heart of the activity or event.

a crucial actor

Stresses the importance and decisiveness of the person's role.

a vital member

Focuses on the person being an essential component of a group or team.

an integral part

Emphasizes the person's inclusion and inseparability from the whole.

a leading light

Suggests the person is an inspirational or guiding influence.

an instrumental force

Highlights the person's role in driving or enabling something to happen.

a driving force

Indicates that the person is a major source of energy and initiative.

FAQs

How can I use "a key participant" in a sentence?

Use "a key participant" to describe someone who has a significant role in an event or activity. For instance, "She was "a key participant" in the negotiations, helping to bridge the gap between the two parties."

What are some alternatives to using "a key participant"?

You can use alternatives like "an important contributor", "a significant player", or "a central figure" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "key participant" or "important participant"?

"Key participant" emphasizes that the person's involvement is essential or crucial, while "important participant" simply suggests their participation is of some value. "Key participant" usually implies a more critical role.

What does it mean to be "a key participant"?

Being ""a key participant"" implies that the person plays a crucial or essential role in an event, project, or discussion. Their involvement is vital to the success or progress of the undertaking.