a once-in-a-lifetime player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a once-in-a-lifetime player" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an exceptional athlete whose talent or skills are so unique that they are unlikely to be seen again in a generation. Example: "Michael Jordan is often regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime player, revolutionizing the game of basketball with his incredible talent and work ethic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He's a once-in-a-lifetime player.

The New York Times - Sports

"She's a once-in-a-lifetime player," Geno Auriemma said.

The New York Times - Sports

Prior, like Strasburg, was considered a once-in-a-lifetime player coming out of college.

The New York Times

Those who don't can thank him for delivering a once-in-a-lifetime player.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's a once-in-a-lifetime player, like a Mays or a DiMaggio.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a once-in-a-lifetime player," said Cunningham. "It will be good to see him running around on Langtree Park.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Now Tyndall sees Faried as the once-in-a-lifetime player for his program.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are a similar age coming from league and going to Bath, but Sam is a special, once-in-a-lifetime player.

BBC

He's one of those once-in-a-lifetime players and the Irish will need Johnny Sexton to be the best he can be and be the senior pro.

BBC

He's really a once-in-a-lifetime defensive player.

The New York Times - Sports

"She's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player," said UConn Coach Geno Auriemma.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a once-in-a-lifetime player", ensure the context clearly establishes the exceptional nature of the individual. Provide specific examples or achievements that justify such a strong claim.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone "a once-in-a-lifetime player" without sufficient evidence or justification. Overusing such language diminishes its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a once-in-a-lifetime player" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for an individual, typically an athlete, who possesses exceptional and rarely seen abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in describing uniquely talented individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a once-in-a-lifetime player" is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase used to describe an individual with exceptional and rare talent, particularly in sports. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys admiration and emphasizes the unique qualities of the person being described. While most commonly found in news and media contexts, its use should be reserved for genuinely extraordinary individuals to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases such as "generational player" or "exceptional talent" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generational player

Implies that the person's abilities are only seen once in a generation.

one-of-a-kind talent

Stresses the singularity and unmatched nature of the skill.

unparalleled skill

Emphasizes the unmatched quality of the skill.

exceptional talent

Focuses on the high level of skill without necessarily implying rarity.

uncommon virtuoso

Highlights a rare and highly skilled performer.

rare find

Emphasizes the difficulty in discovering someone or something of such high quality.

unique individual

Highlights the distinctiveness and special qualities of a person.

singular sensation

Highlights an individual that causes great excitement or interest.

unrepeatable opportunity

Shifts the focus to a unique chance rather than a person, although it can also describe experiences.

once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence

Focuses on the rarity of the event instead of the talent.

FAQs

How can I use "a once-in-a-lifetime player" in a sentence?

You can use "a once-in-a-lifetime player" to describe an athlete with extraordinary skills and impact. For example: "Experts consider him "a once-in-a-lifetime player" because of his unmatched abilities and influence on the sport."

What's a similar phrase to "a once-in-a-lifetime player"?

Alternatives include "generational player", "exceptional talent", or "one-of-a-kind talent". Each of these phrases conveys a high level of skill and uniqueness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a once-in-a-lifetime player"?

It's best to reserve "a once-in-a-lifetime player" for individuals whose skills and impact are genuinely exceptional and unlikely to be replicated. Use it when you want to emphasize the rarity and magnitude of someone's talent.

Is "once in a lifetime player" correct?

While understandable, the more common and grammatically sound phrasing is "a once-in-a-lifetime player", which includes the articles "a" and hyphens for clarity and proper adjectival usage.