be a key player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a key player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who plays an important or influential role in a particular situation or organization. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, you need to be a key player and contribute your ideas and expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"But I think he can be a key player again".

Independent

The UK should be a key player in this relationship.

The Guardian - Opinion

The stratosphere could be a key player in this behaviour.

Nature

The cytoskeleton has been proposed to be a key player in the gravitropic response of higher plants.

Advances in Space Research

Bio-oil derived from biomass can be used to produce hydrogen which will be a key player for global economy.

Catalysis Today

Mr Brown will be a key player after other countries followed the UK's banks bail-out.

Independent

But Crane, a telegenic former marine, may be a key player in the reform opponents' endgame.

The New Yorker

Clearly will be a key player for U.S. and Klinsmann for the next decade.

The New York Times

Beijing will clearly be a key player in preventing nuclear proliferation.

The New York Times

Skywalker will be a key player in Rian Johnson's Episode VIII.

The Guardian - Film

Windrell Hayes emerged from the loss likely to be a key player soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to highlight someone's contribution to a team or project, use "be a key player" to emphasize their importance and influence. For example, "She will be a key player in driving our marketing strategy forward."

Common error

While "be a key player" is a common idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "play a pivotal role" or "be instrumental" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a key player" functions as a predicate nominative or complement, identifying the subject as an important and influential participant. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in various contexts, from sports to politics, signifying significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a key player" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's significant influence and importance in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse fields, most prominently in news, media, and scientific domains. While acceptable in many settings, it's wise to vary your language with synonyms like "play a pivotal role" to prevent repetition. The phrase holds a neutral register, making it suitable for both professional and informal communication. Overall, it's a valuable phrase to emphasize crucial contributions and influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a pivotal role

Emphasizes the critical importance of the role.

be instrumental

Highlights the contribution as essential to achieving a particular outcome.

be a central figure

Focuses on the person's prominence and importance.

have a leading part

Highlights being in a position of leadership and influence.

be a major force

Highlights significant influence or power.

be a driving force

Suggests actively propelling something forward.

be at the forefront

Indicates being in a leading or prominent position.

be a prime mover

Implies initiating and driving an action or project.

be a linchpin

Indicates being crucial or essential for the function of something.

be a cornerstone

Suggests being a fundamental or essential part.

FAQs

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

You can use "be a key player" to describe someone who has a significant role or influence in a particular context. For instance, "She is expected to be a key player in the company's expansion plans."

What can I say instead of "be a key player"?

Alternatives to "be a key player" include phrases like "play a pivotal role", "be instrumental", or "be a central figure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "be a key player" or "play a key role"?

Both "be a key player" and "play a key role" are correct and widely used. The choice between them depends on personal preference and the specific context of your sentence. They are largely interchangeable.

What does it mean to "be a key player" in a team or organization?

To "be a key player" signifies that you are an important and influential member of a team or organization, making significant contributions to its success. It means your role is crucial for achieving goals and objectives.