a professional player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a professional player" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who plays a sport or game at a high level, typically for a living. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she finally became a professional player in the national league."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A professional player in Angola receives the equivalent of $100 to $200 a month.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a professional player.

The Guardian - Sport

He is a professional player," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's great to behave like a professional player," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's the definition of a professional player," Minaya said.

The New York Times - Sports

For me as a professional player, it's not so good.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm now deeply involved and established as a professional player where I wasn't before," Chandler said.

The New York Times

A professional player dies within hours of his first game of a fresh season.

The New York Times - Sports

Involved Fan is about helping a professional player with a direct relationship".

The New York Times - Sports

Now the learning curve is much steeper," says Howard "The Professor" Lederer, a professional player.

The Economist

I wasn't that sort of talent that is considered to be a professional player," Mertesacker says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone as "a professional player", ensure that their engagement in their sport or game is indeed their primary source of income or a significant part of it.

Common error

Don't assume anyone who is very good at a sport is "a professional player". Being professional implies they are paid to play; skill alone does not define it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a professional player" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it identifies someone who engages in a sport or game as a profession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a professional player" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone who earns money by participating in a sport or game. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as Wiki articles. While the phrase is considered valid and usable, ensure you're accurately portraying someone who is paid to play, distinguishing them from amateurs or highly skilled individuals who do not receive payment for their involvement. Keep in mind that although it is a common phrase, alternatives like "expert player" or "skilled athlete" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert player

Focuses more on the skill level rather than the professional status.

skilled athlete

Highlights athletic ability, applicable in sports contexts.

seasoned professional

Emphasizes experience and expertise in a field.

accomplished performer

Broader term, applicable to various fields beyond sports.

elite competitor

Highlights the competitive nature of the player.

top-tier player

Indicates placement within a ranking or hierarchy.

high-caliber athlete

Focuses on the quality and standard of the athlete.

master player

Implies a high level of proficiency and control.

veteran player

Highlights the length of time the player has been active.

professional gamer

Specifies the profession is within the gaming industry.

FAQs

How can I use "a professional player" in a sentence?

You can use "a professional player" to describe someone who earns money by playing a sport or game, such as "He became "a professional player" after being drafted into the major league".

What is the difference between "a professional player" and "an amateur player"?

"A professional player" is paid to play, whereas an amateur plays for enjoyment without receiving payment. The level of skill doesn't determine whether someone is "a professional player" or amateur.

What are some qualities expected of "a professional player"?

Besides skill, qualities expected of "a professional player" include discipline, dedication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure.

What can I say instead of "a professional player"?

Depending on the context, you could use "expert player", "skilled athlete", or "seasoned professional" to convey a similar meaning.