a sturdy player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sturdy player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is strong, reliable, or resilient in a competitive context, such as sports or games. Example: "Despite the tough competition, she proved to be a sturdy player, never backing down from a challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Linebacker Keith Brooking is a sturdy player, and the cornerbacks -- Ray Buchanan and Ashley Ambrose -- are top flight.

The New York Times - Sports

Never a sturdy player even in his days with Hertha Berlin, Deisler has been snake-bit in the extreme when it comes to the frequency and timing of injuries ever since announcing his move to Bayern in 2002.

The Guardian - Sport

Hillman (left), a New Zealand native who moved to Australia in the 1980s to perform with Midnight Oil, was a sturdy player and good-natured butt of Cook's Bloomin' Onion and fart jokes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stu Bickel, who would need to clear waivers to be sent to the minors, has proven to be a surprisingly sturdy player in the defensive zone.

The New York Times

Falconi is a sturdy, quick player, and her groundstrokes are strong, but she was playing uphill against the tour's nineteenth-ranked player, Flavia Pennetta, who has played in and won more matches than any player on tour this year.

The New Yorker

Sturdy players, fresh from triumphs in Shaw and Beckett, stand around in turbans and robes and say such lines as "Wise words, little brother" and "In Alamut rests the beating heart of all life".

The New Yorker

Hopefully the Jets can feature Landry in plenty of blitzes, though doing so might be tough given that the other new safety, the ex-Dolphin Yeremiah Bell, is a sturdy in-the-box player but not a rangy center fielder.

The New York Times

They are a deep team with a versatile lineup, a sturdy pitching staff and disciplined players filling every nook and cranny of their clubhouse.

The New York Times - Sports

In "Look at Me, Look at U," the players embroider a sturdy bass figure with separate saxophone and flute lines.

Los Angeles Times

Coach Bo Ryan's swing offense, which relies on cutting and screening by all five players, allowed Landry, a sturdy 6-foot-7 forward to play on the perimeter.

The New York Times - Sports

Maeder is a tall man with a sturdy chin and the countenance of a hockey player.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a player, consider using "a sturdy player" to emphasize their strength and resilience, particularly in physically demanding sports or games. This highlights their ability to withstand pressure and perform consistently.

Common error

Avoid using "a sturdy player" to describe someone whose strength lies solely in intellectual or strategic skills. The phrase implies physical resilience, so it's best suited for describing physical attributes or performance under physical duress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sturdy player" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sturdy" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "player". The phrase describes a quality or characteristic of the player.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sturdy player" is a phrase used to describe someone known for their physical strength, resilience, and dependability, particularly in sports or competitive contexts. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for situations where physical attributes are relevant. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in news and media. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific quality you want to emphasize, such as reliability or resilience. Though the phrase is usable in written English, it is still relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a robust player

Replaces "sturdy" with "robust", emphasizing physical strength and health.

a resilient player

Replaces "sturdy" with "resilient", highlighting the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

a reliable player

Replaces "sturdy" with "reliable", focusing on the player's dependability and consistency.

a durable player

Replaces "sturdy" with "durable", emphasizing the player's ability to withstand wear and tear.

a strong player

Replaces "sturdy" with "strong", focusing on physical power and capability.

a tough competitor

Replaces "player" with "competitor" and "sturdy" with "tough", shifting the focus to competitive spirit and resilience.

a dependable athlete

Substitutes "player" with "athlete" and "sturdy" with "dependable", altering the context slightly towards general athletic ability and reliability.

an unyielding opponent

Replaces "player" with "opponent" and "sturdy" with "unyielding", highlighting the player's resistance to pressure.

a steadfast performer

Replaces "sturdy player" with "steadfast performer", focusing on consistency and reliability in performance.

a solid performer

Replaces "sturdy" with "solid", emphasizing a consistent and reliable level of performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sturdy player" to describe an athlete known for their resilience and physical strength. For example, "The team needed "a sturdy player" who could withstand the opponent's aggressive defense."

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

Alternatives to "a sturdy player" include "a robust player", "a resilient player", or "a reliable player", depending on the specific attribute you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a sturdy player" to describe someone in a non-physical role?

While "sturdy" typically implies physical strength, using it in a non-physical context might be metaphorical, but it's generally better to opt for alternatives like "a reliable contributor" or "a dependable team member" in such cases.

What qualities does the phrase "a sturdy player" emphasize?

The phrase "a sturdy player" emphasizes qualities such as physical strength, resilience, the ability to withstand pressure, and consistent performance under challenging conditions.