a side player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a side player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who plays a secondary or supporting role in a situation, often in contrast to a main or leading player. Example: "In the project, she was more of a side player, contributing valuable insights but not taking the lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Ironically, given his overzealous refereeing alter ego, he is an absolutely brutal 5 a side player.

The Guardian - Sport

In the sequel, however, Gekko, a side player in the central drama of global financial crisis, is Faust to his own devil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the past five years more than 2,000 teams have disbanded, and the number of regular 11-a-side players (aged 16 or over) since 2005 has gone down by around 180,000 and that is a great shame.

The Guardian - Sport

I think he's better through the off side than Yousuf and, for a leg-side player, he has a beautiful cover drive.

BBC

Britain men's seven-a-side football players were pipped 4-3 by Argentina in their fifth-to-eighth classification semi-final at the Riverbank Arena.

Independent

The tournament in Ghana is seven-a-side; most players are single-leg amputees (although those with one incapacitated leg are also permitted); goalkeepers have one hand.In this section That's right, Iceman.

The Economist

It was a difficult tournament for Giovanni Trapattoni's team, looking very much like a side whose players, ideas and approach were all out of date.

Independent

There seems to be a new, vibrant, powerful Germany: a side whose players are too young to fear defeat and whose diverse ethnic backgrounds are a testimony to the society now forming in that country.

The New York Times - Sports

Vince is an accomplished off-side player with a much-admired cover drive and his two dismissals have come when attempting that shot.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent times, Ferguson has stuck rigidly to buying players with youth on their side, players with a resale value.

BBC

The midfield will be bolstered by the addition of the Jamaican international Winston Griffiths, a swift left-side player who takes the place of Mark Chung.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a side player", ensure the context clearly indicates the primary players or focus, providing a contrast that highlights the supporting role.

Common error

Avoid using "a side player" when the individual or entity has significant impact, as this can diminish their contribution and misrepresent their role. Use more direct descriptive words instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a side player" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies someone or something that plays a secondary or supporting role. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a side player" is grammatically correct but infrequently used, as identified by Ludwig AI. It describes an individual or entity that has a supporting or secondary role. While mostly found in news and media, it's important to consider the context to ensure this phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding overstatement of the importance of someone performing the secondary role. Alternative phrases like "supporting participant" or "minor player" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supporting participant

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the role, rather than the primary focus.

secondary actor

Highlights the less prominent role in a given scenario.

minor player

Indicates reduced importance or influence in the situation.

auxiliary member

Suggests a supplementary or assisting function.

contributing element

Focuses on the contribution made, regardless of prominence.

subordinate party

Highlights the hierarchical aspect of the role.

peripheral figure

Implies a position on the fringes of the main activity.

extra in the scene

Uses a theatrical metaphor to indicate a non-essential role.

less important participant

Directly states the diminished significance of the player.

backstage influence

Implies influence that is not direct or visible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a side player" to describe someone who has a supporting or secondary role in an activity or situation. For instance, "In the project, she was more of "a side player", contributing valuable insights but not taking the lead."

What phrases can I use instead of "a side player"?

Alternatives to "a side player" include "supporting participant", "secondary actor", or "minor player", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a side player" and "a main player"?

"A side player" refers to someone who has a supporting role, while "a main player" is the central figure or entity driving the action or event. The former has less importance than the latter.

Is "a side player" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "a side player" is not as frequently used as alternatives like "supporting role" or "minor player". Its use depends on the specific context and desired nuance.