a certain role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain role" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a specific or particular role in a sentence. Example: She played a certain role in the success of the company, her expertise in marketing was crucial in attracting new clients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Agencies require you to fulfil a certain role, I think.

The Guardian - Money

But she plays a certain role in Obama's ecosystem".

The New Yorker

This code has played a certain role in preserving the solidarity of the Iroquois League.

The New Yorker

"Clearly private developers can have different aims and architects can only play a certain role.

The Guardian - Arts

In a perfect world, you want everyone in the lineup dedicated to filling a certain role.

The New York Times

Like it or not, he has to live out a certain role.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He had a certain role, a very limited role in the case".

Independent

"Wasn't it a matter of money?" "I'm sure money played a certain role, but not the determining role," Kryuchkov said.

The New Yorker

If employees are rewarded individually, Dr. Schotter argues, they can maximize their rewards by specializing in a certain role and carving a niche in the organization.

The New York Times - Science

But I felt after the result [on Sunday] and tactically, I needed him to carry out a certain role which he knew and did perfectly as well".

The Guardian - Sport

Women alone remain tied to a certain role.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a certain role", ensure the context clarifies the nature and scope of the role being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just stating someone plays "a certain role", specify the key responsibilities or functions associated with that role.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain role" without providing sufficient context. Vague references can confuse the reader. Be specific about the responsibilities and expectations tied to that role to provide better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, it identifies a particular function or position within a given context without specifying all its details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain role" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a specific function or part within a context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While its meaning is generally clear, providing additional context can enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a specific function" or "a particular part to play" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Overall, using "a certain role" effectively involves considering the audience and providing sufficient information to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific function

This focuses on the function itself, highlighting the specificity rather than the encompassing concept of a role.

a particular part to play

Emphasizes the active participation and contribution inherent in the role.

a defined responsibility

Highlights the obligations and duties associated with the role.

a set position

Focuses on the fixed or established nature of the role within a structure.

a designated task

This narrows the scope to a specific task assigned within the role.

a prearranged function

Suggests the function was planned or agreed upon beforehand.

a determined purpose

Emphasizes the intentionality and goal-oriented aspect of the role.

an assigned duty

Highlights the obligatory nature of the role, emphasizing what is expected of the person.

a special job

Underscores the uniqueness or distinctiveness of the role.

a fixed responsibility

This emphasizes the unchanging nature of the responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain role" to indicate someone or something has a particular function or responsibility. For example: "She plays a certain role in the project's success", or "Technology plays a certain role in modern education".

What are some alternatives to "a certain role"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a specific function", "a particular part to play", or "a defined responsibility" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a certain role" or "a specific role"?

Both "a certain role" and "a specific role" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the nuance you want to express; "certain" implies known but not explicitly stated, while "specific" highlights the distinct nature of the role.

What does it mean when someone says they play "a certain role"?

It suggests the individual has a designated function or responsibility within a larger context. The details of this "certain role" would ideally be clarified for better understanding. It could imply they have "a designated task".