a school official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a school official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who holds a position of authority or responsibility within a school setting. Example: "The decision to implement the new policy was made by a school official after careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A school official told the police: "He's 18.

The New York Times

"It made them unhappy," said a school official, Jennifer Nzilani.

The New York Times

The player's mother has multiple sclerosis, a school official said.

The New York Times - Sports

A school official said both sides needed a night to digest the latest proposals.

The New York Times

A school official denied that outsiders could pay their way in.

The New York Times

The fire department had their words with a school official off to the side and left.

The New York Times

When in doubt, ask a school official in advance if something is acceptable.

The New York Times

Mr. Segro had been at the school more than a decade, a school official said.

The New York Times

A school official, who is still investigating, said she could not discuss anything in detail.

The New York Times

"You are going about this the wrong way," a school official told the students.

The New York Times

"I got time," Pryor said as a school official hurried him from the gym to class.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a school official", ensure the context clarifies the specific role or department the official belongs to, if relevant. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a school official" when the specific individual or their precise role is known. Using a more specific title (e.g., "the principal", "the guidance counselor") provides greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a school official" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an individual holding a position of authority or responsibility within a school environment, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a school official" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to individuals holding positions of authority within a school. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is versatile, opting for more specific titles like "principal" or "counselor" can enhance clarity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to report information and attribute statements. Alternatives include "an education administrator" or "a school administrator", offering nuanced ways to convey the role depending on the context. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clarify the official's specific role when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a school administrator

Similar to the original but slightly more concise.

an education administrator

Focuses on the administrative aspect of the role.

a school leader

Emphasizes the leadership aspect of the role.

a school representative

Highlights the representative function of the role.

a school authority

Emphasizes the power and decision-making capabilities of the individual.

a member of the school staff

Broader term encompassing various roles within the school.

an education professional

Emphasizes the professional nature of the role in education.

a school spokesperson

Highlights the communication and representation role of the individual.

a faculty member

Refers specifically to teaching staff but can overlap in administrative duties.

a school employee

A general term for anyone working at the school, but may not always hold an official position.

FAQs

How can I use "a school official" in a sentence?

You can use "a school official" to refer to someone in an authoritative position within a school. For example, "A school official confirmed the new policy to parents".

What can I say instead of "a school official"?

You can use alternatives like "an education administrator", "a school administrator", or "a school representative" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a school official" or a more specific title?

Using a more specific title like "principal", "guidance counselor", or "athletic director" is often better, as it provides more clarity. However, "a school official" is appropriate when the specific title is unknown or unimportant.

What's the difference between "a school official" and "a teacher"?

"A school official" refers to someone in an administrative or authoritative role, while "a teacher" specifically refers to someone who instructs students. A teacher may also be a school official if they hold an administrative position.