a primary role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main function or responsibility that someone or something has in a particular context or situation. Example: "The new policy plays a primary role in improving employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

Elektra played a primary role in the folk revival with acts like Josh White, Theodore Bikel and Judy Collins.

The New York Times

The company did, after all, play a primary role in turning expensive content into a free commodity.

The New York Times

One's religious/spiritual orientation appears to play a primary role in one's standing on evolutionary theory.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Peritoneal mesothelial cells play a primary role in the abdominal defence system.

Gynecological Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rather than stating the obvious with "a primary role in", provide specific details on the ways something influences the process or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary role in" when the role is actually shared equally with other factors. Instead, use terms like "a significant role" or "an important role" to reflect shared influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary role in" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun. According to Ludwig, it indicates the most important function or responsibility that something has.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a primary role in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the most important function or responsibility within a specific context. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "a key role in" or "a leading role in" exist, the choice depends on the desired emphasis. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the relative importance of the role, and avoid overstating its significance when other factors share influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major role in

Emphasizes the significance of the role but doesn't necessarily imply it's the most important.

a key role in

Highlights the importance and criticality of the role.

a leading role in

Suggests a position of influence or control.

a central role in

Indicates that the role is fundamental and crucial to the overall process.

a significant part in

Focuses on the importance and contribution of the role.

a crucial function in

Highlights the necessity and essential nature of the role.

a vital component in

Emphasizes that the role is indispensable and necessary for success.

a fundamental aspect of

Shifts the focus to a basic and essential element.

a principal factor in

Highlights the role as one of the main determining elements.

a cornerstone of

Implies the role is essential, basic and fundamental like the cornerstone in building

FAQs

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

Use "a primary role in" to emphasize the most important function or responsibility that someone or something has. For example, "Data analysis plays "a primary role in" the decision-making process".

What are some alternatives to "a primary role in"?

You can use alternatives like "a key role in", "a leading role in", or "a central role in" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "play a primary role at" instead of "play a primary role in"?

While "play a primary role at" might be grammatically acceptable in some contexts, "play "a primary role in"" is generally preferred and more widely used when discussing involvement or influence within a process, organization, or area.

What's the difference between "a primary role" and "a major role"?

"A primary role" suggests the most important or influential function, while "a major role" indicates a significant function, but not necessarily the most important one. The best option depends on the degree of importance you want to express.