a leading role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading role" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a prominent or significant position in a performance, project, or organization. Example: "In the upcoming play, she will take on a leading role as the main character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Indeed, she explicitly rejected a leading role.

The New York Times

He was offered a leading role.

Independent

Her daughter had a leading role.

The New York Times

Actor in a leading role?

The New York Times

But she never had a leading role.

The Guardian - Film

"Probably for a leading role, yeah.

The Guardian

He quickly took a leading role.

The New York Times

It may also play a leading role in multiple sclerosis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cooper is nominated for best actor in a leading role.

The Guardian - Film

Baker plays a leading role in keeping that grip tight.

The Guardian

It was my first experience of a leading role.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a leading role", consider whether alternatives like "a key role" or "a central function" might provide a more precise nuance depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading role" when the actual contribution is minor or secondary; this can create a false impression of significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading role" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It signifies a position of primary importance or influence within a specific context, such as a project, organization, or performance. Ludwig AI identifies this as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a leading role" is a common and grammatically sound English expression used to denote a primary or influential position. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, consider whether alternative expressions, such as "a prominent position" or "a key part", might offer a more precise nuance. Be mindful of overstating the importance of a role when employing this phrase to maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prominent position

Focuses on the visibility and importance of the role.

a key part

Emphasizes the essential nature of the role to the overall outcome.

a central function

Highlights the role's importance to the overall system or process.

a principal actor

Formal alternative, stressing the active and influential involvement.

a dominant force

Stresses the controlling or prevailing influence of the role.

a major player

Highlights the significant impact and influence within a competitive environment.

a vital contribution

Emphasizes the indispensable and necessary nature of the role's input.

a crucial element

Stresses that role is essential to success.

an instrumental figure

Emphasizes the role's effectiveness in achieving a specific outcome.

an influential presence

Highlights the impact the role has on others or the environment.

FAQs

How to use "a leading role" in a sentence?

You can use "a leading role" to describe someone or something that has a primary or very important function. For example: "She played "a leading role" in the project's success".

What can I say instead of "a leading role"?

You can use alternatives like "a prominent position", "a key part", or "a central function" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "a leading role" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is not just involved, but is one of the primary drivers or most important contributors to a situation or activity. For example, "Technology played "a leading role" in the company's growth."

What's the difference between "a leading role" and "a supporting role"?

"A leading role" signifies a primary and influential position, while "a supporting role" indicates a secondary position that aids or complements the primary one. Someone in "a leading role" typically drives the action, whereas someone in "a supporting role" helps to facilitate it.