as a key player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a key player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who plays an important or significant role in a particular situation or organization. Example: "In the recent project, she emerged as a key player, driving the team towards success with her innovative ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Massa has consolidated himself as a key player for 2015," said Carlos Germano, a political analyst.

The New York Times

He also earned lasting fame as a key player in cricket's thrilling first tied Test match.

The Guardian - Sport

The doughnut is rapidly emerging as a key player in life's rich pageant.

The Guardian - Opinion

India has emerged as a key player at the Paris talks.

The Guardian

Having positioned itself as a key player in the conflict, the Kremlin is under pressure to present alternatives.

The New York Times

Many art historians would dispute this claim of Mr. Avery as a key player in the end of modernism.

The New York Times

And that leads to the third new factor — Iran as a key player in Palestinian-Israeli diplomacy.

The New York Times

Kimmich, of course, ended this season as a key player in Pep Guardiola's swan song in Munich.

The Guardian - Sport

"We would expect Russia as a key player to play a part in delivering those confidence-building measures".

The Guardian

As a key player in the cabinet, Cable is fully signed up to the coalition's deficit reduction strategy.

The Guardian

For two reasons, Johnson regards Sackey as a key player in turning around England's fortunes in the Six Nations.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a key player" to clearly indicate someone's importance and influence within a specific field, project, or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "as a key player" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler language unless you specifically need to emphasize someone's strategic importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a key player" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or pronoun to indicate their significant role or influence in a particular context. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a key player" is a versatile expression used to highlight the significance and impact of an individual, group, or entity in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in news, science, and professional writing, indicating its neutrality with a professional inclination. Alternatives like "as a pivotal figure" or "as a crucial component" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "as a key player", ensure it aligns with the formality of the context, avoiding overuse in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a critical asset

Focuses on the valuable qualities and importance to an organization or team.

as a crucial component

Stresses the necessity of the role within a larger system.

as a significant contributor

Highlights the value and impact of the person's input or actions.

as a pivotal figure

Emphasizes the turning point or critical nature of the role.

as an essential member

Emphasizes the indispensability of the individual to the group or team.

as a central participant

Focuses on active involvement and importance in an event or activity.

as a leading force

Suggests a position of influence and direction.

as a primary influence

Highlights the effect of someone or something on others or on an event.

as an instrumental element

Highlights the essential contribution to achieving a particular outcome.

as a vital resource

Highlights how important someone or something is and that is basically irreplaceable

FAQs

How can I use "as a key player" in a sentence?

Use "as a key player" to describe someone or something that has a significant impact or holds a vital role in a particular scenario. For example, "She emerged "as a key player" in the negotiations, successfully brokering a deal."

What are some alternatives to "as a key player"?

You can use alternatives like "as a pivotal figure", "as an instrumental element", or "as a crucial component" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as a key player"?

It's suitable in professional, news, and academic contexts where you need to emphasize the importance or influence of someone or something. It may be less appropriate in informal settings.

Which is more accurate: "as a key player" or "in a key role"?

"As a key player" emphasizes impact and influence, while "in a key role" simply indicates importance or responsibility. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight someone's active contribution or their position.