a small role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's involvement or contribution to a project, event, or situation, typically indicating that their part is not significant. Example: "She played a small role in the success of the project, but her contributions were still valuable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I played a small role in the film.

The Guardian - Film

Tourism plays only a small role in the country's economy.

Britannica

Fleming later had a small role in "Heaven Can Wait".

The New York Times

"It was a small role in the book".

The Guardian - Film

Soon she had an agent and a small role in Woody Allen's "Deconstructing Harry".

The New York Times

But a small role in "Licence to Kill," the 1989 James Bond movie, whetted his hopes.

The New York Times

Blanke told Gyssling that the Dreyfus affair would play only a small role in "Zola".

The New Yorker

Tarantino gave him a small role in the 2007 film "Death Proof".

The New Yorker

Women play only a small role in the discussions; this is essentially a conversation between men.

The Guardian - Books

In 1934, Mr. Adler landed a small role in a movie called "Many Happy Returns".

The New York Times - Arts

But then I landed a small role in [George Lucas's] Red Tails and moved to LA.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small role in", ensure the context clearly indicates the larger entity or process in which the role is being played. This helps maintain clarity and avoids misinterpretations about the level of influence or contribution.

Common error

Avoid using "a small role in" when the actual contribution is substantial. Overstating the smallness of the role can undermine the impact and create a false impression of limited involvement. Ensure your description accurately reflects the magnitude of the role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small role in" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate limited participation or influence. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it clarifies the extent of someone's involvement in an event or project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small role in" is a prepositional phrase used to denote limited participation or influence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general web content. When using this phrase, ensure that you accurately reflect the magnitude of the role to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "a minor part in" or "a limited involvement in" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor part in

Replaces "role" with "part", emphasizing the limited contribution.

a limited involvement in

Substitutes "role" with "involvement", highlighting the constrained participation.

a slight contribution to

Focuses on the "contribution" aspect, suggesting a minimal impact.

a marginal effect on

Emphasizes the minimal impact or influence exerted.

a secondary function in

Indicates a supporting or less important function.

a subsidiary capacity in

Suggests a role that is auxiliary or subordinate.

a minimal presence in

Highlights the low level of presence or participation.

a reduced part in

Emphasizes a reduced level of participation or significance.

an insignificant aspect of

Focuses on the unimportance or negligibility of the involvement.

a negligible component of

Stresses that the role or part is so small it can be ignored.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small role in" to describe someone or something's limited involvement in a larger event or project. For example, "She played "a small role in" the company's success."

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

Some alternatives include "a minor part in", "a limited involvement in", or "a slight contribution to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a small role in" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small role in" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider more precise alternatives like "a subsidiary capacity in" or "a marginal effect on" for greater clarity and sophistication.

What's the difference between "a small role in" and "a significant role in"?

"A small role in" indicates a limited or minor contribution, while "a significant role in" implies a major or crucial contribution. Using the correct phrase ensures that you accurately represent the level of impact or importance.