a primary role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or most important function or responsibility of someone or something in a particular context. Example: "In the project, her role as the team leader is a primary role that ensures effective communication among all members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Environmental concerns must play a primary role.

The New York Times

But with the polygraph, the examiner plays a primary role.

Independent

"A lot of these materials you don't really see, but they play a primary role in terms of function".

The New York Times

"The agency will still have a primary role of protecting consumers, and it will still have authorities".

The New York Times

Mr. Morrison says America's oil interests in Angola do not play a primary role in policy making.

The New York Times

The arts have a primary role in a world that is now highly dependent on visual literacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The private sector would need to take a primary role in setting up larger-scale storage facilities.

The Guardian

It is the case, though, that Israel plays a primary role in the theology, and, especially, the eschatology of dispensationalism.

The New Yorker

China would "allow the market to play a primary role in allocation of resources," he said.

The New York Times

But there is every indication that demand is playing a primary role in holding down employment.

The Economist

In this framework, protein tertiary structure plays a primary role.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary role", ensure the context clearly establishes what other roles or factors are secondary or less important. This helps to emphasize the significance of the primary one.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary role" when describing a function that is merely supportive or secondary. Overstating its importance can mislead the audience about its actual contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary role" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most important or dominant function of something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a primary role" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the most important function or responsibility of something. As demonstrated by the many examples analyzed by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse fields such as science, news, and business. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context supports the claim of primary importance. Consider using alternatives like "a leading role" or "a central role" when appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriate usage and frequency of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading role

This alternative highlights the prominent or guiding aspect of the role.

a central role

This emphasizes the role's position as being essential or pivotal.

a key role

Focuses on the importance and necessity of the role.

a crucial role

This stresses the critical nature and impact of the role.

a significant role

Underscores the importance and influence of the role.

a vital role

Emphasizes the necessity and life-sustaining nature of the role.

a fundamental role

This highlights the foundational aspect of the role.

a principal role

Focuses on the main or most important function.

a major part

Implies that the role constitutes a large or important portion of something.

an integral part

Highlights the role's essential nature as a component of a larger whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "a primary role" to describe the most important function or responsibility of someone or something. For example, "The heart plays "a primary role" in circulating blood throughout the body".

What phrases are similar to "a primary role"?

Similar phrases include "a leading role", "a central role", and "a key role". These alternatives emphasize the importance of the function or responsibility.

Is it better to say "primary role" or "key role"?

Both "primary role" and "key role" are acceptable, but "primary role" suggests a higher level of importance. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual significance of the role in the given context.

Can "a primary role" be replaced with "the only role"?

No, "a primary role" should not be replaced with "the only role" unless it truly is the sole function. "A primary role" implies there may be other, less significant, roles.