major player

USAGE SUMMARY

"major player" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone or something that plays a significant role in a given situation, such as a company, group, or individual. Example sentence: Google is a major player in the technology industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He was a major player".

The New York Times

"Iran is a major player in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Turkey is a major player in NATO.

The New York Times

Comcast is a major player in Washington.

The Guardian

"Sausages have become a major player," he said.

The New York Times

Except if you're a major player like Warren Buffett.

The New York Times

For a major player, it can also be remarkably petulant.

The New York Times

The division became a major player in the options market.

The New York Times

It remains a major player in the options markets.

The New York Times

And Britain is a major player in a global conspiracy.

The New York Times - Books

"They've beaten every major player in the world series.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major player" when you want to emphasize the significant impact or influence someone or something has within a specific field or situation. It's effective for highlighting importance.

Common error

While "major player" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Opt for alternatives like "important person" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major player" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies an entity as having significant influence or importance within a particular domain. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in describing individuals, companies, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major player" is a widely recognized and accepted phrase used to denote someone or something of significant influence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and business contexts. While alternatives like "key figure" or "significant force" exist, "major player" provides a direct and effective way to emphasize importance. When writing, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal situations but embrace its utility in professional and informative settings. Its prevalence across various authoritative sources affirms its consistent and valid use in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key figure

Emphasizes the individual's importance and influence.

central figure

Focuses on being essential and indispensable.

significant force

Focuses on the power and impact exerted.

principal actor

Highlights the active role and agency.

leading light

Highlights prominence and guidance provided by the individual or entity.

influential entity

Highlights the capacity to affect outcomes and decisions.

important person

Simple and direct way to state someone's importance.

heavy hitter

Emphasizes the individual or entity's power and effectiveness.

dominant power

Stresses control and superiority.

big shot

More informal way to express someone's high status.

FAQs

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

You can use "major player" to describe someone or something with considerable influence in a specific field. For example, "Google is a "major player" in the tech industry".

What are some alternatives to "major player"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "key figure", "leading light", or "significant force".

Is "major player" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "major player" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, news reporting, and academic contexts. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "major player" and "important person"?

"Major player" often implies a more active and influential role compared to "important person". While both indicate significance, "major player" suggests someone who actively shapes events or outcomes.