a conflicting role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conflicting role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or function that has opposing or contradictory responsibilities or expectations. Example: "In her new job, she found herself in a conflicting role, balancing the needs of the marketing team with the demands of the sales department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many of those consultants also provide other services to the companies, putting them in a conflicting role for issuing fairness opinions about pay.

The New York Times

TrkB, which initiates the survival signal during neural development, may play a conflicting role such as regulating tumor suppressive functions, which are driven by apoptosis.

Cancer Medicine

However, in the current study, we demonstrated a conflicting role for ROS in TSA-induced vascular proliferation; specifically, we found that exposure to TSA led to an increase in ROS accumulation and that treatment with ROS scavengers significantly inhibited activation of Akt, which is important for proliferation and migration of VSMCs.

Cardiovascular Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Immediately, this opens up multiple possibilities: above all, the idea that monarchy is a performance, and that Henry has to assume a variety of conflicting roles.

The Guardian

His appointment as Attorney General gives him a chance to harness these conflicting roles in a way that may leave a significant legacy, reflecting his place at the far right of the American mainstream.

The New Yorker

Both the baby, who becomes a young man, Jeremy Rick Millerr), and the German functionary, Thomas Hans Piesbergenn), who becomes (somewhat improbably) a neurosurgeon, play major, conflicting roles in Ada's life.

The New York Times

Ms. Wells, a retired teacher from Tuscaloosa, Ala., intends this witty representation as a comment on the conflicting roles of black women today.

The New York Times - Arts

But the organisation is attempting to master two conflicting roles: as a national arts organisation with its roots in the community and as a globalised free-market player.

The Guardian

motivated by profit, political, organizational and other forces; and government which often acts in the conflicting roles of a healthcare payer and provider in addition to its role as the representative and protector of the people.

BMC Health Services Research

A particularly harsh piece in Der Spiegel predicts direct economic consequences, foreseeing Germany being sucked into a substantial post-conflict role simple to atone for its earlier uselessness, arguing:  Now, however, it would appear that Germany's partners were right after all and that Berlin was horribly mistaken.

The Economist

"It would put them in conflicting roles".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify how the role is conflicting. For example, instead of "She was in a conflicting role", write "She was in "a conflicting role", balancing the needs of patients and the hospital's budget".

Common error

Ensure that the article "a" precedes "conflicting role" unless another determiner is more appropriate. Omitting the article can make the phrase sound incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conflicting role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes a situation or position characterized by inherent opposition or incompatibility. Ludwig AI suggests this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conflicting role" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively describes a position with inherent contradictions or opposing demands. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various domains, particularly in news, media and science. When using this phrase, ensure that it's clear how the role is conflicting to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "a contradictory position" or "a role with competing demands" to fine-tune your message for accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contradictory position

Focuses on the inherent contradiction within the position itself, rather than the role.

a role with competing demands

Emphasizes the presence of multiple, challenging demands on the role holder.

a position of divided loyalties

Highlights the conflict arising from having to be loyal to multiple parties with differing interests.

a dualistic role

Emphasizes the presence of two distinct, potentially opposing aspects within the role.

a role of competing interests

Similar to competing demands, but emphasizes interests over simple demands.

a position involving clashes

Highlights the clashing aspects in responsabilities.

a controversial function

Focuses on the disagreements that the role may generate.

a problematic task

Highlights the difficulties that the role could encounter.

an incompatible action

Focuses on the impossibility of fulfilling the action due to conflict.

a paradoxical situation

Highlights the contradictory nature of the situation due to the role.

FAQs

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

You can use "a conflicting role" to describe a position with contradictory responsibilities. For example: "Serving on both committees placed him in "a conflicting role"".

What does it mean when someone is in "a conflicting role"?

It means their responsibilities or duties create a situation where they must balance opposing interests or requirements. This can lead to ethical dilemmas or practical challenges.

What are some similar phrases to "a conflicting role"?

Alternatives include "a contradictory position", "a role with competing demands", or "a position of divided loyalties".

When is it appropriate to use the term "a conflicting role"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the inherent tension or difficulty someone faces due to the nature of their responsibilities. It's particularly useful in discussions about ethics, management, or organizational structure.