a competing role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a competing role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing positions or functions that are in opposition or rivalry with one another in a particular context. Example: "In the organization, she found herself in a competing role with her colleague, both vying for the same promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Water in the formation expands as it freezes and plays a competing role during cryogenic cooling with rock contraction, thus is an unfavorable factor.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To test the possibility of a simple competing role of the two pathways it will be highly revealing to delete the only very recently discovered genes coding for the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier [ 32].

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Abi Zakarian's This Is Not an Exit is a more formally experimental piece, showing an editor wrestling with competing role models but eventually learning from the memory of her radical mother to "touch the sky".

The Guardian

This increase can be explained first by a reduction in the competing role of HIV-related mortality, which, in the long term, was much more detrimental to health than other causes of deaths.

BMJ Open

The younger age group may have been more likely to be working and have other competing role demands limiting their availability to engage in an interview.

BMC Family Practice

The mutual interrelation of orographic precipitation pattern and topography is key to understanding the competing role of tectonics and climate in landscape evolution.

Geomorphology

The vast majority of genes exhibited both binding sites (Group 1), confirming the competing role of ERα and ERβ.

BMC Genomics

It takes account of the "competing" role of CT clearance and of the fact that persons testing CT+ upon screening have already "survived" a period without developing PID.

American Journal of Epidemiology

While disability status and age/longevity are undoubtedly driving forces in long-term care expenditures, a more subtle concern pertains to the competing roles of LTC insurance utilization and type of services used by LTC beneficiaries.

BMC Health Services Research

In any given situation, an individual must decide, even if subconsciously, which of several competing roles and related rules to apply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The competing roles of selection and drift in evolutionary causation have also been a subject of debate for philosophers of biology, though the importance of both concepts is not disputed (Rosenberg and McShea 2008; Sober 1984).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a competing role", ensure the context clearly establishes what the role is competing with or against. Provide specific details about the nature of the competition to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a competing role" in contexts where the opposition is vague or undefined. The phrase is most effective when the rival roles are clearly identified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a competing role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific role that is in opposition or rivalry with another. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a competing role" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe opposing or rival positions. Ludwig identifies it as valid and usable, although not particularly common. Its primary function is to highlight conflict or tension between different roles, mainly in contexts such as science, news, and formal discussions. When using the phrase, clarity is essential, and it is important to specify what the role is competing against. Alternatives like "a rival role" or "an opposing role" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. While "a competing role" might not be as frequent as other phrases, it adds a subtle yet valuable shade of meaning that speakers can use to enhance the expression of opposition. Finally, remember that while the structure is grammatically correct, the key to clarity is to ensure that what the role is competing with is specified, allowing a reader or listener to grasp the full scope of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rival role

Replaces "competing" with "rival", emphasizing the adversarial nature of the role.

an opposing role

Substitutes "competing" with "opposing", highlighting the contrasting function of the role.

a conflicting role

Replaces "competing" with "conflicting", suggesting the role creates discord.

a contending role

Uses "contending" instead of "competing", emphasizing the struggle for dominance.

a challenging role

Replaces "competing" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty the role presents.

an alternative role

Suggests the role is a different option, not necessarily in direct opposition.

a rivaling position

Changes the structure to emphasize the positional aspect of the rivalry.

a contending function

Shifts the focus to the functional aspect of the competition.

an opposing function

Emphasizes the function is in opposition to something else.

a conflicting responsibility

Changes the focus to responsibility, suggesting a clash in duties.

FAQs

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

Use "a competing role" to describe a situation where two or more roles or functions are in opposition or vying for the same outcome. For instance, "In the company, two departments found themselves in "a competing role", each seeking budget approval for their projects".

What are some alternatives to "a competing role"?

Alternatives include "a rival role", "an opposing role", or "a conflicting role" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize rivalry, opposition, or conflict.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "competing role" is competing with?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what the "competing role" is competing with enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. Providing context makes the phrase more meaningful and prevents misinterpretations.

How does "a competing role" differ from "a supporting role"?

"A competing role" implies opposition or rivalry, whereas "a supporting role" suggests assistance or contribution to a common goal. They are antonyms in many contexts, representing opposite functions or objectives.