exceptional player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptional player" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who demonstrates outstanding skill or performance in a particular sport or activity. Example: "After leading the team to victory, the coach praised him as an exceptional player who consistently exceeds expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's an exceptional player.

The New York Times - Sports

"George is an exceptional player," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Arsenal are a top side and he is an exceptional player.

Independent

He's not only an exceptional player but a person as well.

The New York Times - Sports

If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it.

Independent

There is at least one exceptional player for every school in the quarterfinals.

The New York Times - Sports

Reiner studied him for three games, enough to realize he had found an exceptional player.

The New York Times - Sports

Meaghan is not only an exceptional player but also an exceptional young woman".

The New York Times

I can tell you we're friends and he is an exceptional player.

The Guardian - Sport

The good stuff is all on the pitch, reminding us what an exceptional player Rooney has been.

Independent

The Wigan of Martínez — who by the way was a decent but not an exceptional player — goes for more.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "exceptional player", provide specific examples of their skills or achievements to support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid generically labeling every good player as an "exceptional player". Reserve the phrase for individuals who genuinely demonstrate extraordinary abilities and provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional player" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "exceptional" modifying the noun "player". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional player" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe someone with outstanding skills in a specific area, most frequently in the realm of sports. According to Ludwig, the phrase enjoys wide acceptance and appropriate usage. The phrase is adaptable and effective for conveying admiration, with alternatives like "outstanding athlete" or "remarkable competitor" offering subtle variations in emphasis. To ensure impactful writing, it's advised to provide concrete examples of the player's exceptional qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding athlete

Focuses on the athletic prowess of the player.

remarkable competitor

Emphasizes the player's competitive spirit and performance.

gifted individual

Highlights the innate talent of the person.

talented performer

Stresses skill and ability in a performance context.

prodigious talent

Implies exceptional talent at a young age or early stage of development.

first-rate player

Indicates high quality and skill level.

top-tier athlete

Highlights the player's position among the best.

skilled professional

Focuses on expertise and professional competence.

accomplished player

Indicates a high level of achievement and proficiency.

elite competitor

Emphasizes the player's superior abilities and status.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceptional player" to describe someone who has outstanding skills in a particular sport or activity. For example, "The coach described her as an exceptional player who consistently exceeds expectations."

What are some alternatives to "exceptional player"?

You can use alternatives like "outstanding athlete", "remarkable competitor", or "gifted individual" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "exceptional player" or "excellent player"?

While both are positive, "exceptional player" suggests a higher level of skill and performance than "excellent player". "Exceptional" implies they are beyond the norm, while "excellent" simply means very good.

Can "exceptional player" be used for someone in a non-sports context?

While often used in sports, "exceptional player" can also describe someone who excels in other competitive fields, such as music or chess. However, it's essential to ensure the context is appropriate.