a supporting player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supporting player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who plays a secondary or assisting role in a situation, often in the context of theater, film, or sports. Example: "In the movie, the lead actor was brilliant, but the supporting player also delivered a memorable performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the beanstalk that carries Jack to the Giant is a supporting player.

The New York Times - Arts

Here, the main shape-shifting ingredient is a supporting player: the carrot.

The New York Times

A lead anchor is the undisputed star of a newscast; the sportscaster a supporting player.

The New York Times - Sports

Whenever Mr. Steelman brings on pasta as a supporting player, good things happen.

The New York Times - Food

Is wine a supporting player at a meal, intended to harmonize with food?

The New York Times - Food

When Stoudemire returns, it may be — necessarily — as a supporting player, not as the featured star he was once.

The New York Times - Sports

The first is a vague interpretation of fajitas that focuses on grilled vegetables and makes beef a supporting player.

The New York Times - Food

Which is to say, it's a supporting player in the narrative of other objects and their users.

The New York Times

His position in the group has grown from being a supporting player to helping arrange set lists for concerts.

The New York Times

The comedy's central figure, the cross-dressing noblewoman Viola (Ms. Stiles), registers here as a supporting player.

The New York Times

In it, syrah is just a supporting player, giving needed structure and depth to grenache and mourvedre.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a supporting player" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has a less prominent role but still contributes to the overall outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a supporting player" when referring to someone who is entirely insignificant. The phrase implies that they still have a role, even if it's not the main one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supporting player" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes someone or something that plays a secondary or assisting role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Food

8%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a supporting player" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something that has a secondary but still important role. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and applicable in various contexts, from film and theater to sports and even cuisine. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly has a contributory role, even if it's not the primary one. Consider alternatives like ""minor participant"" or ""secondary character"" depending on the specific context. Finally, use the phrase to indicate importance of a minor role but do not use it for someone insignificant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidekick

Suggests a close partnership where one assists the main figure.

secondary character

Specifically refers to characters in a narrative.

role player

Focuses on fulfilling a specific, often less glamorous, function.

minor participant

Focuses on the level of involvement rather than the impact.

backup person

Indicates a role that provides cover or fills in as needed.

auxiliary actor

Emphasizes providing assistance or support.

understudy

Implies readiness to step into the main role if needed.

subordinate element

Highlights a hierarchical relationship, showing it's lower in rank.

second banana

Informal term for a comedic sidekick.

contributing factor

Focuses on the supportive role in achieving a result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a supporting player" to describe someone or something that has a less prominent role but still contributes to the overall outcome. For example, "While the lead actor was brilliant, the supporting player also delivered a memorable performance".

What are some alternatives to "a supporting player"?

You can use alternatives like "minor participant", "secondary character", or "sidekick" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a supporting player" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a supporting player" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing roles in film, theater, sports, or business. However, be mindful of your audience.

What's the difference between "a supporting player" and "a minor character"?

"A supporting player" generally implies a role that is helpful or essential to the main element, while "a minor character" simply refers to someone or something that isn't central to the main action, regardless of how important they are.