minor player

USAGE SUMMARY

"minor player" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person or organization who has a small or insignificant role or influence in a larger situation or event. Example: In the political arena, smaller political parties often struggle to make a significant impact as they are seen as minor players compared to the dominant parties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sugar alone is a "minor player".

The New York Times

And why Gopnik, a minor player, late to the stage?

The New York Times - Books

But he is a minor player in a growing industry.

The New Yorker

Indeed, despite rapid growth, Crackle remains a minor player in the crowded online video field.

The New York Times

Mr Feingold may have been a minor player in the race for the nomination.

The Economist

Patek says he was a minor player and should not get a life term.

Independent

The company's iBookstore remains a minor player in the electronic books business by most estimates.

The New York Times

Sugar, it turns out, is a minor player in the rise.

The New York Times

In that context, Iran is a minor player but one that can be particularly problematic.

The New York Times

By most measures, Cardinal Egan was a minor player in the scandal.

The New York Times

And he became involved "as a minor player" in a local development dispute in Morristown, N.J.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor player", ensure the context clearly establishes the larger field or situation in which the player's role is insignificant.

Common error

Avoid using "minor player" if the entity actually has a considerable, even if understated, influence. Accurately assess their true impact before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor player" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes someone or something with a small or insignificant role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minor player" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote someone or something with limited influence or importance in a given situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "small player" or "insignificant player" can be used, it's crucial to accurately assess the entity's true impact to avoid misrepresentation. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "minor player" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Small player

Indicates a direct synonym, focusing on size or influence.

Insignificant player

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact.

Marginal player

Highlights the peripheral or borderline role.

Lesser player

Suggests a lower rank or status.

Secondary player

Implies a supporting or less prominent role.

Limited player

Focuses on the restricted capabilities or influence.

Small operator

Refers to someone with limited operations.

Minor factor

Highlights a small contribution.

Minor agent

Focuses on little impact and action.

Minor actor

Highlights an individual playing a less significant role.

FAQs

How to use "minor player" in a sentence?

Use "minor player" to describe someone or something with a limited or insignificant role in a larger context. For instance, "In the grand scheme of things, he was only a "minor player" in the scandal".

What can I say instead of "minor player"?

You can use alternatives like "small player", "insignificant player", or "marginal player" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "minor player" or "major player"?

Both "minor player" and "major player" are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Minor player" refers to someone with little influence, while "major player" refers to someone with significant influence.

What's the difference between "minor player" and "secondary player"?

"Minor player" emphasizes the lack of importance, while "secondary player" suggests a supporting role that might still be important to the main action. A "secondary player" can have influence, while a "minor player" typically does not.