very good player

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very good player" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who excels in a particular game or sport, indicating a high level of skill or performance. Example: "After watching the match, it's clear that she is a very good player, consistently making impressive moves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A very good player.

The New York Times - Sports

"Very good player.

The New York Times - Sports

Your son's a very good player".

The New Yorker

"He's a very, very good player".

The New York Times - Sports

"I know Andy's a very good player.

Independent

"They got a very good player".

The New York Times - Sports

He's a very good player, with size".

The New York Times - Sports

"But not a very good player".

The New York Times - Sports

"Shane is a very good player.

The Guardian - Sport

Briggs is a very good player, no question.

The New York Times

"He is a very good player, Arsenal miss him".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very good player" when you want to acknowledge skill without necessarily implying they are the absolute best or a superstar.

Common error

While "very good player" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "excellent player" or "highly skilled player".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very good player" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "player". It serves to characterize an individual as possessing a notable degree of skill or competence in a particular game, sport, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sport

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very good player" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe someone with a high level of skill in a particular activity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. While widely applicable, varying your word choice with synonyms like "excellent player" or "highly skilled player" can enhance your writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and sports contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various communications. Remember to be specific about the skills that make the player stand out to give your assessment more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent player

Replaces "very good" with a stronger adjective indicating superior quality.

highly skilled player

Focuses on the level of skill possessed by the player.

talented player

Highlights the natural talent of the player.

proficient player

Emphasizes the player's competence and mastery of skills.

accomplished player

Indicates the player has achieved a high level of success.

formidable player

Highlights the player's strength and ability to inspire fear or respect.

top-tier player

Suggests the player is among the best in their category.

first-rate player

Similar to "top-tier" but uses a different adjective to convey excellence.

exceptional player

Implies the player is beyond the ordinary or average.

outstanding player

Similar to exceptional, but may imply a more visible or celebrated talent.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "very good player"?

You can use alternatives such as "excellent player", "highly skilled player", or "talented player" to add variety to your descriptions.

Is it appropriate to use "very good player" in formal writing?

Yes, "very good player" is acceptable in formal writing, especially in sports reports or analytical pieces. However, consider using more precise language to enhance the quality of your analysis such as "proficient player".

How can I make my description of a player more specific than just calling them a "very good player"?

Instead of just saying "very good player", mention their specific skills or attributes that make them stand out, such as their agility, strategic thinking, or accuracy.

When should I use "very good player" instead of "superstar"?

"Very good player" is suitable when you want to acknowledge a player's skill without implying they are among the absolute best. "Superstar" implies a much higher level of fame, talent, and recognition.