exceptional athlete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional athlete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who demonstrates outstanding physical abilities or skills in sports or physical activities. Example: "After winning multiple championships, she is widely regarded as an exceptional athlete in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"An exceptional athlete, period".

The New York Times - Style

"He wasn't an exceptional athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's an exceptional athlete," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Nahki's an exceptional athlete," says Bradford's manager.

The Guardian - Sport

(TEAM stands for The Exceptional Athlete Matters).

The New York Times

But the trust issue dogs every exceptional athlete.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"She is just one of those exceptional athletes," Smith said.

The New York Times - Sports

Bannister, Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway are dressed in white tracksuits which make them look more like village cricketers than exceptional athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

What is happening now in London is what is best for our sport, a massive stadium full to bursting and exceptional athletes carrying out extraordinary performances".

Independent

A small number of humans have natural genetic mutations that are similar, and these people appear to live normally and to be exceptional athletes.

The New York Times

Are they even baseball fans, or do they just find it comforting to know that not all exceptional athletes are as boring as Derek Jeter or as vain as Alex Rodriguez?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an athlete, provide specific examples of their achievements or skills to support the claim that they are an "exceptional athlete".

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional athlete" as a generic compliment. Ensure your description justifies the use of such a strong term by providing concrete details of their performance or abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional athlete" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "athlete". It serves to describe an individual who possesses outstanding athletic abilities and skills. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its common use in sports reporting and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

25%

General Interest

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional athlete" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing an athlete with superior abilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, remember to provide specific examples or details to justify the description. Consider alternatives like "outstanding sportsperson" or "remarkable competitor" for variety. While broadly applicable, this phrase carries a neutral register that shifts toward formality when used in specific settings. The related writing tips will help you avoid common errors and ensure you're using this phrase effectively. Ultimately, the phrase is appropriate for formal and informal use as long as the athlete's abilities justify it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding sportsperson

Replaces "athlete" with a broader term while maintaining the emphasis on sporting ability.

remarkable competitor

Highlights the competitive aspect of the athlete's performance.

prodigious talent

Emphasizes the natural ability and potential of the athlete.

gifted player

Focuses on the inherent skill and aptitude of the athlete in a team context.

superb physical specimen

Highlights the athlete's physical attributes and conditioning.

elite performer

Emphasizes the athlete's high level of skill and achievement.

world-class sportsman

Highlights the athlete's international recognition and skill.

highly skilled individual

Uses more formal language to describe the athlete's abilities.

top-tier athlete

Uses a contemporary idiom to describe the athlete's high ranking.

incredibly talented individual

Emphasizes talent as the defining characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptional athlete" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptional athlete" to describe someone with outstanding abilities in sports. For instance, "She is an "exceptional athlete" known for her speed and agility."

What are some alternatives to "exceptional athlete"?

Alternatives include "outstanding sportsperson", "remarkable competitor", or "gifted player", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

What makes an athlete "exceptional"?

An athlete may be deemed "exceptional" due to a combination of factors, including superior physical abilities, consistent high performance, dedication, and significant achievements in their sport.

Is it appropriate to use "exceptional athlete" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceptional athlete" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in sports journalism, biographies, or academic analyses of athletic performance. However, ensure the context supports the use of such a strong descriptor.