a valuable player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who contributes significantly to a team or organization, often in a sports context. Example: "In the last game, she proved to be a valuable player, scoring the winning goal and assisting her teammates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

He's a valuable player to us".

The New York Times - Sports

He has a chance to be a valuable player for us in the near future".

The New York Times - Sports

It really doesn't make sense to trade a valuable player for nothing just because he's upset.

The Guardian - Sport

Duke had lost a valuable player, Ryan Kelly, to injury, and now sits a modest 20th in Mr Pomeroy's ranking.

The Economist

Dwight Freeney is expected to return for the Colts, adding a valuable player to the team's defense.

The New York Times

Even if he does not return kicks, Johnson could be a valuable player on the coverage teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Henderson was a Most Valuable Player candidate a year later, in a season shortened by a players' strike.

Wikipedia

Not a most valuable player candidate with a $105 million deal.

The New York Times - Sports

Larkin was a most valuable player; Smoltz won a Cy Young Award, and Pedro Martinez won three.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, Ewing is gone, and O'Neal has won a Most Valuable Player award as a Laker.

The New York Times - Sports

As a junior, he was named a most valuable player at the 2011 Under Armour All-America game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a valuable player", specify the qualities or contributions that make them valuable to provide context and avoid vague praise.

Common error

Avoid using "a valuable player" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "helpful person" or "good team member" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valuable player" functions as a noun phrase, where 'valuable' is an adjective modifying 'player'. It typically serves to describe someone who provides significant benefits or contributions to a team or organization. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a valuable player" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes an individual who makes significant contributions to a team or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, notably in news, sports, and business. The term implies that someone’s actions, skills, or presence are beneficial and contribute positively to group success. While versatile, it's wise to adapt language to suit the setting, avoiding overly casual use of the phrase in professional or formal contexts. Related phrases such as "an asset to the team" or "a key contributor" can be used as synonyms, varying slightly in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important asset

Focuses on the beneficial and significant qualities the player brings.

an asset to the team

Focuses on the beneficial qualities the player brings to the team.

a key contributor

Emphasizes the importance of the player's contributions.

a crucial asset

Emphasizes the critical importance of the player as a resource.

an indispensable member

Highlights the player's crucial role and the difficulty of replacing them.

a vital component

Presents the player as a necessary part of the team's success.

a linchpin of the team

Implies the player is central to the team's function and stability.

a significant figure

Indicates the player's notable presence and impact.

a worthwhile addition

Highlights the player's positive impact.

a game-changer

Describes a player who can significantly alter the outcome of games.

FAQs

How can I describe someone similar to "a valuable player"?

You can use alternatives like "an asset to the team", "a key contributor", or "an indispensable member" depending on the context.

What makes someone "a valuable player"?

A valuable player contributes significantly to a team or organization through their skills, effort, positive attitude, and ability to work well with others.

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

Yes, "a valuable player" is suitable for formal settings, especially when recognizing someone's contributions to a project, team, or company.

Can "a valuable player" apply to things other than people?

Yes, the term can be extended metaphorically to describe something instrumental or advantageous. For example: "Due to its existing infrastructure and vast gas storage capacity Ukraine is "a valuable player" in the gas supply to the European Union".