are key players

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are key players" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or entities that have a significant role or influence in a particular context, such as a business, industry, or event. Example: "In the tech industry, companies like Apple and Google are key players in driving innovation and setting trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are key players for us.

The Guardian - Sport

Corporations, along with individuals, are key players in our markets.

Columbia University

Natural killer (NK) cells are key players of innate immunity.

Leukemia Research

Immune semaphorins are key players in regulating immune mediated inflammation.

Clinical Immunology

Mitochondria are key players in the pathology of PD.

Neurobiology of Disease

Meanwhile, the Lewis chessmen are key players in the story.

The Guardian - Books

In Argentine politics, sickness and death are key players.

The New York Times

miRNAs are key players in the development of DN.

Nature

Hemlocks are key players in keeping drinking water cool and clean.

Cornell University

Stem cells are key players in at least some of these mechanisms.

Stanford University

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key players in post-transcriptional events.

Trends in Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are key players" to clearly indicate that the mentioned entities have a significant impact or influence in a given situation. It adds emphasis and importance to their role.

Common error

Avoid using "are key players" too frequently in the same piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "play a crucial role" or "are essential figures" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are key players" functions as a descriptive predicate nominative, identifying the subjects as significant contributors or influencers within a particular context. Ludwig examples show it's commonly used to highlight entities with substantial impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are key players" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight the significant roles of individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for describing those with considerable influence. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase effectively communicates the importance of subjects in various scenarios. While versatile, be mindful of overuse, and consider alternatives to maintain writing freshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a crucial role

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the role someone or something plays.

are essential figures

This highlights the necessity and importance of the individuals or entities involved.

are pivotal actors

This suggests that the individuals or entities are central to the action or outcome.

are central to

Focuses on the idea that someone or something is at the center of a process or situation.

are instrumental in

This emphasizes their role in helping to achieve a particular outcome.

are vital components

Highlights the idea that someone or something is an essential part of a larger system.

are significant contributors

Emphasizes their active participation and impact.

are major forces

This alternative indicates a strong influence or power.

are leading participants

Suggests active involvement and a prominent position.

hold a prominent position

Highlights the importance and visibility of their role.

FAQs

How can I use "are key players" in a sentence?

Use "are key players" to emphasize the significant influence or importance of certain individuals or entities within a specific context. For example, "Researchers and policymakers "are key players" in addressing climate change."

What can I say instead of "are key players"?

You can use alternatives like "play a crucial role", "are essential figures", or "are pivotal actors" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are key players" or "is a key player"?

"Are key players" is used when referring to multiple entities, while "is a key player" is used for a single entity. For example, "Companies A and B "are key players"", but "Company A "is a key player"".

What's the difference between "are key players" and "are important"?

"Are key players" suggests a more active and influential role than simply being "important". Key players actively shape outcomes, while being important indicates significance without necessarily implying direct influence.