a professional professional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a professional professional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the level of professionalism of an individual, often in contexts where the distinction between different types of professionals is important. Example: "In our industry, we need a professional professional who can handle complex client relationships with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I said, "Are you a professional?" "Professional nutcase," she said.

The New Yorker

Opt for a professional: Professional musicians should have a detailed website; they're professional business people!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"A professional is a professional," he said.

The New York Times

We were professionals, doing a professional job.

Independent

"Mitchell wanted to bring a professional environment, professional attitudes, a professional structure," Cruyff explains to The Independent.

Independent

"We're a professional sport in a professional league with professional players," Mawae said.

The New York Times - Sports

But don't worry, I am a professional (a professional dancing monkey).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A professional baseball player, and a professional cockfighter".

The New York Times - Sports

NAME WITHHELD, PENNSYLVANIA Asked a professional question, give a professional answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're doing a professional job, making a professional appearance," Mr. Dotterer said.

The New York Times

As a child, she said, she aspired to be a professional musician, not a professional athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a professional professional" to emphasize that someone is not only a professional but also embodies the highest standards and ethics of their profession. It's best used in contexts where distinguishing levels of professionalism is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a professional professional" in contexts where the level of professionalism is already implied or understood. Overusing the phrase can sound repetitive and diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary function is to act as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (implied person or entity). Ludwig indicates that it emphasizes a high level of competence. The phrase serves to intensify the standard definition of "professional."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a professional professional" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. Ludwig highlights that it serves to emphasize an exceptional level of competence, ethics, and skill within a specific profession. While it can be effective for adding emphasis, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Common contexts for this phrase include news and media sources. The phrase is most impactful when used to distinguish between varying levels of professionalism or expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a true expert

Emphasizes expertise and genuine skill more directly than "a professional professional".

a skilled specialist

Highlights specialized skills and knowledge in a particular field.

a seasoned veteran

Suggests extensive experience and expertise gained over time.

a highly competent individual

Focuses on general competence and ability in a professional context.

an accomplished master

Implies mastery and significant achievements in a specific domain.

a top-tier practitioner

Highlights the individual's position among the best in their field.

an elite performer

Emphasizes exceptional performance and achievement.

an experienced pro

Shortened and more informal way to suggest professional experience.

a capable authority

Focuses on the individual's authority and capability within their profession.

a qualified expert

Highlights the individual's formal qualifications and expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a professional professional" to highlight someone who embodies the highest standards and ethics of their profession, like: "In our firm, we value a professional professional who consistently demonstrates integrity and expertise."

What are some alternatives to saying "a professional professional"?

Consider using alternatives like "a true expert", "a skilled specialist", or "a seasoned veteran" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a professional professional"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone is not just a professional, but also exemplifies the best qualities and behaviors associated with their profession. For instance, "We need a professional professional to lead this project, someone with both technical expertise and exceptional leadership skills."

Is "a professional professional" redundant?

While it can sound redundant, the phrase is used to emphasize a very high level of competence and ethical behavior within a profession. Whether it's suitable depends on the context and the need to highlight exceptional professionalism.