a backing role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a backing role" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a secondary or supportive position in a performance, project, or situation. Example: "In the film, she played a backing role that complemented the lead actor's performance beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The countries, Mexico in particular, need to set their own course on security, with the United States playing more of a backing role.

The New York Times

Super Happy Fun Land, Oct. 6, 3 p.m., zinefesthouston.org DALLAS Obey Giant Annie Clark has parlayed a backing role in the Polyphonic Spree, the Dallas choral-pop band, into a critically lauded solo career as St . Vincent

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Moving from a back office role to the exchange traded futures desk, he began his illicit deals in late 2008, initially accruing substantial profits.

The Guardian

The jazz had little breathing room and no vitality under these circumstances; the orchestra, when reduced to a mere backing role, had no grandeur.

The New York Times - Arts

(Hall, by the way, handles the ball fairly well and might make sense in an H-back role. Just a thought).

The New York Times

Joe Gomez would be more suited to a centre-back role than left-back under Klopp.

The Guardian - Sport

Drifted effectively into a full-back role when the opportunity allowed.

The Guardian - Sport

When possible, the American military will remain in a stand-back role, available to rush in if Iraqi forces need assistance.

The New York Times

Despite the constant probing that had Yaya Touré or David Silva in a quarter-back role trying to slide in James Milner, Edin Dzeko or Sergio Agüero, when City opened the scoring it was from a slick break.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an extraordinary vote of confidence from Advocaat, who discarded the fans' cult hero Jörg Albertz because of his technical deficiencies and sold Rino Gattuso following the Italian's refusal to convert to a full-back role.

The Guardian - Sport

Brunt made his Northern Ireland debut against Switzerland in 2004 and was regularly deployed on the left wing, but more recently reverted to a full-back role.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a backing role" when you want to emphasize that someone or something provides support or assistance to a more central figure or activity. It is particularly effective when describing roles in collaborative endeavors or strategic partnerships.

Common error

Avoid using "a backing role" when the function is, in fact, critical or central. Ensure the language accurately reflects the degree of influence or responsibility involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a backing role" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a specific type of role characterized by support and secondary importance, consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a backing role" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a supportive or secondary function, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "a supporting position" or "a secondary function" can be used to convey similar meanings. It's essential to use this phrase accurately to reflect the true nature of the role being described, avoiding overstatements of its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supporting position

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the role but is less specific.

a secondary function

Highlights the lower priority of the function.

a supplementary function

Similar to secondary, but implies adding to something already existing.

an auxiliary function

Suggests providing additional help or support.

an assistant capacity

Focuses on the helping aspect of the role.

a less prominent position

Focuses on the visibility of the role.

a reserve function

Suggests being held in readiness as an alternative.

a stand-by capacity

Highlights readiness to act if needed.

a subordinate position

Directly implies a lower rank or importance.

a subservient role

Implies a subordinate position with a focus on obedience.

FAQs

What does "a backing role" mean?

It signifies a supportive or secondary function, where the person or entity provides assistance or reinforcement without being the primary actor. It often describes positions in which one supports the main activity or person.

How can I use "a backing role" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone or something that supports another. For example, "The United States is playing "a backing role" in the international effort to combat climate change".

What are some alternatives to "a backing role"?

Consider using phrases like "a supporting position", "a secondary function", or "an auxiliary function" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a backing role" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral in tone and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, including news reports, business communications, and academic writing.