free agent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "free agent" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "free agent" when referring to a person or entity that is able to act independently without being bound by a contract or obligation. This can be in various contexts, such as in sports, business, or politics. Example: After turning down multiple job offers, Sarah decided to become a free agent and start her own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

You're a free agent.

The New York Times

Vidic is a free agent.

Independent

Cano is a free agent.

The New York Times - Sports

A Zip free agent?

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone's a free agent".

The New York Times

Kindl, 26, was a restricted free agent.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Free-agent spending sprees?

The New York Times

Free-agent compensation is drastically different.

The New York Times

"This is not a free-agent situation.

The New York Times

One free-agent signing down.

The New York Times - Sports

Free-agent targets.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports, clarify whether a player is a restricted or unrestricted "free agent", as their options and the team's rights differ significantly.

Common error

Avoid using "free agent" loosely to describe someone who is simply unemployed or seeking opportunities. The term typically implies a specific status within a structured system, such as professional sports or certain contractual business arrangements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free agent" functions primarily as a noun, typically referring to an individual who is not bound by a contract, allowing them to negotiate and enter agreements with other parties. Ludwig provides numerous examples in professional sports and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "free agent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, primarily found in news and media, sports, and business contexts. As Ludwig's AI indicates, the term refers to someone not bound by a contract and free to negotiate with others. While broadly understood, it's crucial to use it accurately, especially in professional settings where nuances like "restricted" versus "unrestricted" status matter. Common mistakes involve overextending the term to simply describe unemployed individuals, neglecting its specific implications within structured systems. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and Los Angeles Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrestricted player

Focuses specifically on the absence of restrictions in a sports context.

independent contractor

Highlights the autonomy of the individual in a business or professional setting.

available player

Emphasizes the immediate accessibility of the individual or entity.

unaffiliated individual

Stresses the lack of formal association with any organization.

self-employed person

Indicates the person works for themselves and not for any company or employer.

open market talent

Highlights the availability of talent on the market.

independent operator

This alternative focuses on autonomy in action and decision-making.

contractless player

Emphasizes the absence of a binding agreement in the sports field.

unsigned player

Specifies that the player does not have an active contract with any team.

out-of-contract individual

More formally indicates that the person's contract has expired.

FAQs

How to use "free agent" in a sentence?

You can use "free agent" to describe an athlete who is not under contract and can sign with any team. For example: "The star quarterback became a "free agent" at the end of the season."

What does it mean when an athlete becomes a "free agent"?

It means that their contract with their current team has expired, and they are now able to negotiate and sign a contract with any team they choose. They are not obligated to remain with their former team.

Which is correct, "free agent" or "free-agent"?

"Free agent" is the correct spelling. "Free-agent" is typically only used as a compound adjective (e.g. free-agent signing).

What are some synonyms for "free agent" in a business context?

In a business context, alternatives to "free agent" include "independent contractor", "consultant", or "self-employed person". The specific term depends on the nature of the work and the contractual arrangement.