a critical role

USAGE SUMMARY

'a critical role' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a role that is essential or important. For example: Mary played a critical role in organizing the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AIM, he argues, plays a critical role.

Independent

Washington has a critical role to play.

The New York Times

Technology certainly played a critical role.

The New York Times

Leadership plays a critical role.

The Guardian

That played a critical role.

Yale University

"The public will play a critical role.

The Guardian

Listening plays a critical role too.

Harvard Business Review

Digitized platforms play a critical role.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Women can play a critical role in making this happen.

The Guardian

Investors in particular have a critical role to play.

The New York Times

One for example has a critical role in cell division.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical role", ensure the context clearly defines what the role is critical to. Providing specific details enhances the impact and understanding of the statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a critical role" in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "essential function", "key factor", or "vital part" to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It emphasizes the significance of something, as seen in the Ludwig examples where various elements like leadership, technology, and communication are described as playing "a critical role".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a critical role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for highlighting essential functions or factors across various contexts. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic sources, indicating its broad applicability and neutrality. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a vital part" or "a key factor" to avoid repetition. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity about what the role is critical to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital part

Emphasizes the essential nature of the role, highlighting its contribution to the whole.

a key factor

Focuses on the role as an influential element in achieving a particular outcome.

an essential function

Highlights the necessary purpose the role serves.

a central component

Stresses the role's position as a core element within a system or process.

a significant element

Underscores the role's notable impact or importance.

a major player

Highlights the importance of a person or organization.

a crucial aspect

Highlights the importance of a detail.

an integral element

Indicates the role is an essential and necessary part of something.

a fundamental task

Highlights that the role it's a basic activity.

a strategic position

Highlights the high degree of strategic importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical role" to emphasize the importance of something in a particular context. For example, "Technology plays "a critical role" in modern education" or "Effective communication is "a critical role" for team success".

What phrases are similar to "a critical role"?

Similar phrases include "a vital part", "a key factor", or "an essential function". These alternatives can help you avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Is it better to say "critical role" or "important role"?

"Critical role" implies that the role is essential and indispensable, while "important role" suggests that the role is significant but not necessarily irreplaceable. The choice depends on the degree of necessity you want to convey.

What does it mean when something plays "a critical role"?

When something plays "a critical role", it means that it is essential and indispensable for the success or proper functioning of something else. It indicates that without this particular element, the desired outcome would be difficult or impossible to achieve.