a helpful role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a helpful role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a position or function that provides assistance or support in a particular context. Example: "In this project, each team member is expected to take on a helpful role to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"It is my wish that the Department of Interior can play a helpful role".

The New York Times

But although some forms of bioenergy can play a helpful role, dedicating land specifically for generating bioenergy is unwise.

The Guardian

And in the last couple of months, it has played a helpful role in both Sudan and North Korea.

The New York Times

The King asked if the U.S. could play a helpful role in getting the Saudis to let the gas project proceed.

The Guardian

But there have been occasions when amicable personal relations played a helpful role, most notably during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Mr. Bush's father.

The New York Times

But if they are adapted to fit individual countries' circumstances, they can play a helpful role in nurturing the domestic industries that lasting growth requires.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The European commission has played a very helpful role through its structural funds, which cover up to 80% of the additional costs involved in integrating the Roma.

The Guardian - Business

Once the extreme antigovernment faction has been driven out of government, the steps that I and my Esquire co-panelists recommended can play a very helpful role in improving the functions of Congress.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the government also played a very helpful role, with investments in clean water and public health, developing public education and supporting the creation of transportation and communication networks.

The New York Times

Despite this truism, they can serve a very helpful role by opening the Black Box of societal risk management so that robust and candid scrutiny of the past can lead to better management of the future.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

They can serve a very helpful role by opening the black box of societal risk management so that robust and candid scrutiny of the past can lead to better management of the future.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a helpful role", ensure that the context clearly defines who or what is being helped and the specific nature of the assistance provided. For example, specify that it played "a helpful role in resolving the conflict".

Common error

Avoid using "a helpful role" without specifying who or what benefits from that role. Saying something "plays a helpful role" is less effective than stating what it helps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a helpful role" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a position, function, or activity that provides assistance or support. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a helpful role" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a position or function that provides assistance or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase. The phrase is frequently used in news media and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using "a helpful role", clarity is key: specify what or who benefits from the assistance to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a supportive function" or "a positive contribution" can be used to add nuance to the meaning. The best practice is to define exactly to what or to whom that role is providing help in order to provide informative content. In conclusion, while the phrase "a helpful role" is widely accepted and understood, it's important to use it thoughtfully and precisely to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supportive function

Focuses on providing support rather than just being helpful.

a positive contribution

Highlights the act of contributing in a helpful way.

a contributing factor

Highlights the aspect of adding to a result or outcome.

a beneficial influence

Emphasizes the positive impact of the role.

a useful function

Emphasizes the practicality and utility of the role.

an aiding capacity

Stresses the ability to assist and provide aid.

a facilitating influence

Focuses on making a process or activity easier.

a significant contribution

Highlights the importance and impact of the contribution.

a constructive participation

Highlights the active and positive involvement.

a valuable asset

Focuses on the worth and importance of the contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a helpful role" to describe someone or something that assists or supports a process, activity, or person. For instance, "Mediation played "a helpful role" in resolving the dispute".

What are some alternatives to "a helpful role"?

Alternatives include "a supportive function", "a beneficial influence", or "a positive contribution" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a helpful role" or "a supportive role"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a supportive role" emphasizes providing emotional or practical support, while "a helpful role" is broader and indicates general assistance. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

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

When something plays "a helpful role", it means it is actively contributing to a positive outcome or providing assistance in a particular situation. It suggests that its involvement is beneficial and contributes to the success or resolution of something.