a substantial role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the importance or significance of someone's contribution or involvement in a particular situation or context. Example: "The research team played a substantial role in advancing our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Facebook could have a substantial role in correcting those deficiencies".

The Guardian - Tech

Barack Obama has played a substantial role in the developments of the last decade.

The New Yorker

— that play a substantial role in popular opinion but have no traction with the elite.

The New York Times

The global recession also played a substantial role in the decline of industrial activity.

The New York Times

The new Synergy Fitness Club, once open for business, will play a substantial role in revitalizing our downtown.

The New York Times

He found that "ideology seems to have played a substantial role in the majority of the violent acts".

The New Yorker

Comcast, however, would be unlikely to agree to grant Mr. Armstrong a substantial role in a merged company.

The New York Times

As Mr. Balz and Mr. Johnson see it, Bill Clinton also played a substantial role in derailing Mrs. Clinton's campaign.

The New York Times - Books

Tells about George Berham Parr, the Valley's Boss of Bosses who played a substantial role in getting votes for Johnson.

The New Yorker

However, in general, wind sometimes has a substantial role in the measured local pollen counts.

Botanical Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Morsi and his group have earned a substantial role in Egyptian public life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial role in", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or activity where the role is significant. Provide specific examples to illustrate the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial role in" when the actual contribution is minimal or insignificant. Use more appropriate phrases like "a minor role" or "a contributing factor" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial role in" functions as a noun phrase modifier, indicating the degree of importance or influence something has within a specific context. It adds weight and significance to the noun it modifies, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a substantial role in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the significance or importance of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is particularly common in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating that something has a considerable influence or impact. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines where the role is significant and avoid overstating the actual contribution. Consider alternatives like "a significant part in" or "a major factor in" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant part in

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", implying importance but with a slightly different nuance.

a major factor in

Focuses on the phrase being a key element contributing to a particular outcome.

a key role in

Highlights the essential or crucial nature of the role.

an important contribution to

Emphasizes the positive impact or assistance provided.

a prominent part in

Suggests the role is easily noticeable or stands out.

a considerable influence on

Shifts the focus to the power to affect something.

a large hand in

Implies direct involvement and control.

a central position in

Highlights the role's location at the core of something.

a weighty effect on

Emphasizes the impact or consequence of the role.

a material impact on

Focuses on the tangible or concrete results of the role.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial role in" to emphasize the significant contribution or importance of someone or something within a particular context. For example, "Technology plays "a substantial role in" modern education".

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant part in", "a major factor in", or "an important contribution to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "substantial role in" or "significant role in"?

Both "substantial role in" and "significant role in" are acceptable and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to create. "Substantial" implies a considerable amount or size, while "significant" implies importance or consequence.

Can "a substantial role in" be used to describe negative impacts?

Yes, "a substantial role in" can describe negative impacts. For example, "Poor communication played "a substantial role in" the project's failure".