a role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's involvement or function in a particular context or situation. Example: "She played a significant role in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everybody plays a role in this country.

The New York Times

"They have a role in Samoan society.

The New York Times - Sports

Derivatives played a role in that.

The New York Times

Nerves had a role in that.

The New York Times - Sports

(Keneally has a role in the film).

The New Yorker

Genes do play a role in longevity.

The New York Times - Health

Government has a role in this.

The New York Times

A government has a role in this.

The New York Times

News organizations play a role in this.

The New York Times - Arts

"Derivatives played a role in this.

The New York Times

Economic issues also played a role in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a role in", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and nature of the involvement. Avoid vague statements and provide specific details about the responsibilities or influence associated with the role.

Common error

Be careful not to exaggerate the importance of "a role in". Avoid implying that someone or something is solely responsible when other factors are also at play. Use qualifying language to accurately represent the level of involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a role in" functions as a prepositional phrase that indicates involvement, participation, or influence within a particular context or situation. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a role in" is a versatile phrase used to express involvement or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic sources. When using "a role in", be sure to specify the nature and extent of the involvement to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a part in" or "an involvement in" can be used depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a part in

Focuses on a contribution or share within a larger whole, suggesting a potentially smaller or less significant involvement than "a role in".

an involvement in

Highlights the act of being engaged or participating, emphasizing the process rather than the defined function.

a contribution to

Emphasizes the act of giving or adding something, focusing on the positive impact or addition made.

an influence on

Highlights the power to affect or shape something, focusing on the impact rather than the direct participation.

a function in

Stresses the specific purpose or task performed, focusing on the defined duty or operation.

an agency in

Underscores the capacity to act or exert power, emphasizing the ability to initiate or control.

a hand in

Suggests a more direct and personal involvement, often implying a degree of responsibility or agency.

a stake in

Highlights a vested interest or personal investment, focusing on the potential gains or losses.

a responsibility for

Emphasizes accountability and obligation, focusing on the duties and tasks associated with a particular outcome.

an effect on

Focuses on the result or consequence produced, highlighting the impact rather than the direct actions.

FAQs

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

Use "a role in" to indicate involvement or influence. For example, "Technology played "a role in" the company's expansion."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a role in"?

Alternatives include "a part in", "an involvement in", or "a contribution to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a role in" or "a part in"?

"A role in" and "a part in" are often interchangeable, but "a role in" can sometimes imply a more defined and significant function, making it slightly more formal in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "a role in" and "an impact on"?

"A role in" suggests direct participation or influence within a process, while "an impact on" focuses on the effect or consequence resulting from an action or event. "A role in" emphasizes involvement, while "an impact on" highlights the outcome.