a team player

USAGE SUMMARY

'a team player' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is willing to work well with others and cooperate in team activities. For example, "John is a reliable, hard-working employee and a team player."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He's a team player.

The New York Times

"I'm a team player".

The New York Times - Magazine

A team player, I went along.

The New York Times

"I am not a team player.

Independent

"He's a team player," Boudreau said.

The New York Times

Principled, perhaps, but hardly a team player.

Independent

He really was a team player.

The New York Times

Note: Jed is a team player.

The New York Times

"I'm a team player," Rivera said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He likes to be a team player".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Daffy was not a team player.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a team player" in a professional context, provide specific examples of how the individual demonstrates teamwork, such as contributing ideas, supporting colleagues, or resolving conflicts constructively.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "a team player" without providing concrete examples or evidence. Vague claims lack credibility and don't offer insight into the person's actual collaborative skills.

How to use

Learn how to use "a team player" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a team player" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or adjective to describe an individual's characteristics. It denotes someone who contributes positively to a group. Ludwig examples illustrate various contexts where this phrase is used to characterize individuals. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a team player" is a very common noun phrase used to describe someone who works well collaboratively and contributes positively to a team. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples highlights its frequent use in news and media, alongside professional and general contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. When describing someone as "a team player", it's vital to provide specific instances of teamwork to avoid vagueness. Consider alternative phrases like "collaborative individual" or "supportive colleague" to add nuance. By understanding its usage, potential pitfalls, and available alternatives, you can effectively communicate the value of teamwork in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collaborative individual

Emphasizes the act of collaboration more directly than simply being a team member.

cooperative member

Highlights the willingness to cooperate and work well with others.

contributing participant

Focuses on the active contribution to the team's efforts and goals.

good collaborator

Directly refers to the person's strength in collaborative efforts.

supportive colleague

Stresses the supportive nature of the individual within a professional setting.

helpful teammate

Focuses on the helpfulness the individual brings to the team.

group-oriented person

Highlights someone whose focus is on the success and well-being of the group.

one who works well with others

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing interpersonal skills.

participative associate

Highlights the person's engagement and involvement as an associate.

company person

Highlights that the person puts the interest of the company or team first.

FAQs

How can I describe the qualities of "a team player" in a resume?

Instead of just stating "a team player", highlight specific skills like collaboration, communication, conflict resolution, and willingness to help others. Provide examples of situations where you demonstrated these qualities.

What are some alternative phrases to "a team player"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "collaborative individual", "cooperative member", or "supportive colleague".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a team player"?

The phrase "a team player" is suitable for professional settings, performance reviews, and general discussions about teamwork and collaboration. It's versatile and widely understood.

Is it better to say "team player" or "a team player"?

Both are acceptable, but "a team player" is generally used when describing an individual person. "Team player" without the article can be used more generally to describe the quality of being collaborative.