a skilled player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a skilled player" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a high level of ability or expertise in a particular game or sport. Example: "After years of practice, she has become a skilled player in the world of competitive chess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"He's a skilled player".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's such a skilled player when he has the puck.

The New York Times - Sports

"What is a skilled player?" he said with a laugh.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's a skilled player, always has been," Murray said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a skilled player, and you've got to take the good with the bad sometimes.

The New York Times - Sports

You were known as a skilled player but also as an enforcer and a fighter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower," Noble said.

The New York Times - Sports

The game is Crawford's first encounter this season at Portland, whose Rasheed Wallace, a highly skilled player with a hair-trigger temper, set a record by being called for 38 technical fouls last season.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Marcus Hatten is a tremendously skilled player," Fairfield Coach Tim O'Toole said a few weeks after Hatten scored 30 points in an 81-68 victory against the Stags.

The New York Times - Sports

He says investing is not like playing chess, where a highly skilled player will beat a novice almost every time, nor is it like playing a slot machine, where there is no skill involved.

Forbes

At the time of his draft, he was touted as an offensively skilled player with a competitive and physical edge.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a skilled player", provide specific examples of their skills or accomplishments to add credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "a skilled player" without providing context or evidence of their skill. Instead, elaborate on what makes them skilled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a skilled player" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize an individual's proficiency in a particular activity, as supported by Ludwig which confirms it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a skilled player" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone proficient in a particular activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile, appearing frequently in news, media and encyclopedic contexts, but less so in formal academic writing. While its meaning is clear, providing specific examples of their skills adds credibility. Consider alternatives such as "expert player" or "talented player" to add nuance. Remember to avoid vagueness by providing concrete evidence of their abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expert player

Emphasizes expertise and mastery in a particular domain.

a proficient player

Highlights competence and efficiency in performing tasks.

a talented player

Focuses on innate abilities and natural gifts.

a master player

Implies a very high level of skill and control.

an accomplished player

Indicates a history of success and achievement.

a seasoned player

Suggests extensive experience and knowledge.

a top-notch player

Highlights superior quality and performance.

a highly capable player

Emphasizes a strong ability to perform effectively.

a formidable player

Suggests that the player is impressive and perhaps feared.

a deft player

Implies nimbleness and skillfulness in execution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a skilled player" to describe someone proficient in a game, sport, or activity. For example: "She is "a skilled player" at chess and often wins tournaments."

What are some alternatives to saying "a skilled player"?

Alternatives include "an expert player", "a proficient player", or "a talented player", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "skilled player" or "talented player"?

Both are correct, but "skilled" implies learned ability, while "talented" suggests innate aptitude. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "a skilled player" and "an experienced player"?

"A skilled player" emphasizes competence and ability, while "an experienced player" highlights the amount of time someone has been playing. Someone can be experienced without necessarily being highly skilled, and vice versa.