team player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "team player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who works well with others and contributes to a group effort, often in a professional or collaborative context. Example: "During the project, Sarah proved to be a true team player, always willing to help her colleagues and share her ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Team player.

The New York Times

He's a team player.

The New York Times

"I'm a team player".

The New York Times - Magazine

Be a team player.

Harvard University

Is this a team player?

The Guardian

"She's a great team player.

The New York Times - Sports

The quintessential team player.

The New York Times - Sports

--Loyal and dedicateamteam player.

Cornell University

Are they a team player?

Stanford University

A team player, I went along.

The New York Times

"I am not a team player.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When highlighting someone's collaborative skills, use "team player" to emphasize their ability to contribute positively to group efforts and shared objectives.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is a "team player" without providing specific instances or examples of their collaborative behavior. Show, don't just tell, how they contribute to the team.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "team player" functions primarily as a noun, often used attributively to describe someone's characteristics or qualities. It denotes an individual who collaborates effectively and contributes positively within a group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sports

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "team player" is widely recognized and accepted as grammatically correct, per Ludwig AI's analysis. Functioning as a noun, it effectively describes an individual who works well collaboratively and contributes positively to a group. Its frequent use in news, sports, and academic contexts indicates broad applicability. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to support the claim, rather than simply stating it. Alternatives like "collaborative individual" or "supportive colleague" can be used for variety, but "team player" remains a clear and effective way to highlight collaborative skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collaborative individual

Focuses on the individual's ability to collaborate effectively.

collaborative worker

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of the work environment.

contributing teammate

Stresses the active contribution the person makes to the team.

cooperative member

Emphasizes the spirit of cooperation within a team.

helpful partner

Highlights the helpfulness and partnership within a team.

supportive colleague

Highlights the supportive role the person plays among colleagues.

cooperative employee

Emphasizes the employee's cooperative behavior.

group-oriented person

Highlights the person's focus on group goals and dynamics.

easy to work with

Focuses on the person's approachability and ease of collaboration.

good sport

Implies a positive attitude and willingness to cooperate.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "team player" in a resume?

Instead of merely stating that you are a "team player", provide specific examples of collaborative projects, your role, and positive outcomes. Quantify your contributions whenever possible to showcase your impact.

What are some alternative phrases to "team player" that I can use in a professional setting?

You can use alternatives like "collaborative individual", "cooperative member", or "supportive colleague" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to be described as a "team player"?

While generally positive, overemphasizing being a "team player" might inadvertently suggest a lack of individual initiative. It's important to balance collaboration with showcasing your unique skills and contributions.

How does being a "team player" differ from being a leader?

While a "team player" focuses on collaboration and contributing to shared goals, a leader takes initiative, guides the team, and makes strategic decisions. However, a good leader should also embody the qualities of a "team player".