a supporting cast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supporting cast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of secondary characters in a play, movie, or other performance that support the main character or storyline. Example: "The film was well-received, not just for its lead actor but also for the talented supporting cast that brought depth to the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would damage the roster, leaving Anthony and Stoudemire without a supporting cast.

The New York Times - Sports

A supporting cast of headstrong characters determined not to make the cop's job any easier.

The Guardian - Film

As a player, you're as selfish as anything and as a supporting cast you have to be the opposite".

The New York Times

Williams is an anxious star without a supporting cast, leaning only on the enigmatic center Brook Lopez, the sharpshooter Anthony Morrow and a lineup of spare parts.

The New York Times - Sports

Trying to follow the plot, which involves a supporting cast of crooked politicians and predatory developers, is a little like walking a puppy.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Arias sings pop standards in his inimitable Billie Holiday-inspired growl, while a supporting cast born of Mr. Twist's fertile visual imagination cavorts around him.

The New York Times

Her Vines rely on few cuts, are often crudely funny and seem designed as star vehicles for her, with a supporting cast consisting mainly of her dog.

The New York Times - Arts

As are the members of a supporting cast assembled to fill out a tableau of plausible if not altogether authentic male New Yorkness.

The New York Times

A supporting cast of 800 named characters includes "high officials, military commanders, peddlers, prostitutes, actors, tailors, monks, nuns, fortune tellers, acrobats, and cats and dogs".

BBC

A great leader knows that enabling potential without a supporting cast that can keep everything in perspective is a zero-sum game.

Forbes

As for me, I still see banking as a supporting cast service provider to the economy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to film or theater, use "a supporting cast" to highlight the importance of the secondary characters in enhancing the story and performance of the leads.

Common error

Avoid using "a supporting cast" when referring to general support systems in non-artistic fields. Opt for terms like "team", "group", or "network" for broader applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supporting cast" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supporting cast" is a noun phrase used to describe a group of individuals who play secondary roles in a performance, production, or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, media, and academic contexts. When writing, ensure the term aligns with the context, especially when referring to roles outside of the arts. Alternatives such as "secondary characters" or "ensemble cast" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a company of players

Similar to an ensemble but can refer to a broader group of performers.

an ensemble of actors

Focuses specifically on actors performing together, rather than a general support group.

a group of assistants

Emphasizes the helping role, potentially outside of a performance context.

a secondary lineup

Highlights the secondary or backup nature of the group, often in sports or other competitive settings.

a team of collaborators

Emphasizes collaborative work, not necessarily in a performance setting.

auxiliary personnel

A more formal term for support staff, less common in creative contexts.

a host of characters

Emphasizes a large number of characters, less about their supportive role.

a chorus of voices

Focuses on vocal performance and agreement, not necessarily a group of characters.

a body of colleagues

Refers to professional peers, not necessarily in a performance or supportive role.

a circle of friends

Highlights the social aspect, missing the professional/performance context.

FAQs

How to use "a supporting cast" in a sentence?

You can use "a supporting cast" to describe the group of actors who support the main actors in a play or movie. For example, "The movie was praised for its strong lead performances and equally compelling "a supporting cast"".

What can I say instead of "a supporting cast"?

Alternatives to "a supporting cast" include "secondary characters", "ensemble cast", or "backup team", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a supporting cast" or "the supporting cast"?

"A supporting cast" is used when referring to a supporting cast in general, while "the supporting cast" refers to a specific supporting cast. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "a supporting cast" and "a main cast"?

"A supporting cast" consists of actors who support the main actors, while "a main cast" refers to the primary actors in a production. The supporting cast has less prominent roles than the main cast.