elite athlete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elite athlete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a highly skilled and accomplished individual in sports or physical activities. Example: "The competition was fierce, but only the elite athletes made it to the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He's an elite athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

Kathy is an elite athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

That was no remedy for an elite athlete.

The New York Times

Cutler looks like an elite athlete because he was one.

The New York Times - Sports

But that is not how an elite athlete thinks.

The New York Times - Sports

This is what it is to be an elite athlete.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Of course elite athletes are naturally gifted.

The New York Times

The pieces will incorporate elite athletes.

The New York Times - Arts

Elite athletes are interesting, aren't they?

The Guardian - Sport

Is it 99% of elite athletes?

The Guardian - Sport

Proper analysis is crucial for elite athletes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an athlete, use "elite athlete" to convey their exceptional skill and dedication to their sport. Ensure the context aligns with high-level performance and achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "elite athlete" to describe recreational athletes or individuals who participate in sports casually. Reserve the term for those who compete at a high level and demonstrate exceptional skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elite athlete" functions as a noun phrase, where "elite" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "athlete". It identifies individuals who have achieved a high level of skill and performance in their respective sports. Ludwig confirms the phrase's proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "elite athlete" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe highly skilled and accomplished individuals in sports. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use across various sources, including news media and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for those demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication at a high competitive level. Alternatives like "top-tier athlete" or "world-class athlete" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-tier athlete

Emphasizes the high ranking and superior skill level of the athlete.

world-class athlete

Highlights the athlete's performance on an international scale.

high-performance athlete

Focuses on the athlete's exceptional ability to achieve results.

professional athlete

Indicates that the athlete earns a living from their sport.

skilled athlete

Highlights the athlete's proficiency and expertise in their sport.

accomplished athlete

Focuses on the athlete's achievements and successes.

gifted athlete

Emphasizes the athlete's natural talent and innate abilities.

exceptional athlete

Highlights the athlete's remarkable and outstanding qualities.

peak performer

Focuses on the athlete's ability to consistently perform at their best.

champion athlete

Indicates that the athlete has won significant competitions.

FAQs

How is "elite athlete" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "elite athlete" is used to describe individuals who have reached a very high level of skill and accomplishment in their sport. For example: "The training regimen is designed for "high-performance athletes"".

What are some alternative phrases for "elite athlete"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "world-class athlete", "top-tier athlete", or "professional athlete".

Is it appropriate to use "elite athlete" to describe someone who is very fit but not a competitive athlete?

While someone who is very fit may have qualities similar to an elite athlete, the term is generally reserved for individuals who compete at a high level in organized sports. Consider using terms like "very fit" or "highly athletic" instead.

What distinguishes an "elite athlete" from a regular athlete?

An "elite athlete" typically possesses exceptional skill, dedication, and performance levels that set them apart from regular athletes. They often compete at national or international levels and undergo rigorous training to maintain their peak condition.