key players

USAGE SUMMARY

"key players" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to people who have an important role in a particular situation or organization. For example: "The hockey team's success relies on the key players on the roster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And missing some key players.

The New York Times

Key players swap sides.

The Guardian

Key players were rested.

The Guardian - Sport

9. Key players 10.

The Guardian

Ireland were missing key players then.

Independent

Both fielded starting lineups missing key players.

The Guardian - Sport

Who were the key players?

The New York Times

They are the key players".

The Guardian - Sport

Who are the key players involved?

The New York Times

-How did the key players react?

The New York Times

The Flyers were without three key players.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In strategic planning documents, identify the "key players" who will be instrumental in achieving goals. This helps in assigning responsibilities and tracking progress effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "key players" in overly casual conversation or writing, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler terms like "important people" or "main contributors" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key players" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies individuals or entities that are essential or influential in a specific context, be it a sports team, a business negotiation, or a political landscape. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key players" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes individuals or entities of significant importance in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. It functions to highlight the crucial roles of specific individuals or groups, and while suitable for formal writing, it is also understood in more informal settings. Its frequency and distribution across authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC underscore its widespread acceptance and utility in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant individuals

Highlights the notability and importance of the persons.

important figures

Focuses on the significance of individuals, emphasizing their importance.

central figures

Focuses on their pivotal position and influence.

principal actors

Highlights the active role and importance of the individuals involved.

driving forces

Emphasizes their influence in initiating or propelling progress.

leading participants

Emphasizes involvement and leadership among those taking part.

essential members

Underlines the necessity of their involvement or presence.

major contributors

Stresses the impact and value of their contributions.

critical elements

Shifts the focus to aspects or factors that are essential for success.

cornerstone people

Illustrates a solid foundation of contributions to the cause or effort.

FAQs

How can I use "key players" in a sentence?

You can use "key players" to refer to individuals who have significant roles or influence in a particular situation. For example, "The success of the project depends on the contributions of the "key players" in the team".

What are some alternatives to saying "key players"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "important figures", "leading participants", or "principal actors".

Is it appropriate to use "key players" in formal writing?

Yes, "key players" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing business, politics, or strategic planning. It clearly identifies individuals or entities that hold significant importance.

What's the difference between "key players" and "stakeholders"?

"Key players" typically refer to individuals or groups who have direct influence or are crucial to the success of a project or endeavor. "Stakeholders", on the other hand, are those who are affected by the outcome, whether they have direct involvement or not.