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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

The first-string players

When the coach was announcing the first-string players, Jim was surprised to hear his name called.

Hi,

Is it right to interpret "the first-string players" in the above as "the players who play first?" Thanks.
  

Top answer

No, that's not idiomatic. The starting line, the starting team, the starters, the first string -- those are okay. Although a dictionary may make you think that "play first" and "start" are the same, it's just not idiomatic.

— BarbaraPA

  • No, that's not idiomatic.
  • The starting line, the starting team, the starters, the first string -- those are okay.
  • Although a dictionary may make you think that "play first" and "start" are the same, it's just not idiomatic.
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3 Answers
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No, that's not idiomatic.

The starting line, the starting team, the starters, the first string -- those are okay.

Although a dictionary may make you think that "play first" and "start" are the same, it's just not idiomatic.
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They play first because they are the best players who will make up the team.
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OH - I didn't read carefully. Yes, that's the interpretation. It's not what you'd SAY, though.

Sorry!
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