a substantive role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or function that has significant importance or impact within a particular context or organization. Example: "In the project, she played a substantive role in shaping the overall strategy and direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Eddie senior didn't play a substantive role in any of this," Costa said.

The Guardian

It is turning to NATO to expand the alliance's mandate in Afghanistan and play a substantive role in Iraq.

The New York Times

Mr. Ratner's project with The Times was mentioned almost every time he had a substantive role in an article.

The New York Times

Any implication that Mr. Wilson played a substantive role in the contract was "absolutely and utterly baseless," said Jay Carson, Dr. Dean's press secretary.

The New York Times

While the government debated whether to shut down Twitter, or prosecute Facebook users, it was BBM that was actually playing a substantive role in the riots, according to those who took part.

The Guardian

Yet Bremer seemed unwilling to give the U.N. a substantive role; around this time, Vieira de Mello told George Packer, a reporter for this magazine, that the "neocon side of Bremer's personality" was emerging.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Senator Kevin S. Parker, a Democrat from Brooklyn, described the budget process as "a joke" that blocked the minority caucuses in both houses from having any substantive role in negotiating the spending plan.

The New York Times

Given these data, I think it's really unlikely that the Internet has played any substantive role in bringing Americans out of religion.

Huffington Post

Only Marge Sherwood, in a more substantive role than the novel allows, has a sufficiently uncluttered spirit to both welcome Ripley and then suspect him.

The Guardian - Film

This might be taken to suggest a more substantive role for specification i.e., to provide a methodology for the construction of the artifact.

SEP

But Mr. Bush did play a more substantive role in putting out one media fire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's involvement, clarify the specific actions that make their role "a substantive role". Be specific about their contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive role" to describe minor or insignificant tasks. Ensure the role genuinely has a significant impact to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI illustrates, the phrase indicates a significant or essential function within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive role" is a noun phrase that describes a significant and impactful function or position. It's grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the role genuinely has a noteworthy impact to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "a significant part" or "a major function" can be used depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey. Remembering these nuances will help you effectively and accurately communicate the importance of a role in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant part

Emphasizes the importance of the contribution.

a major function

Focuses on the key responsibilities and duties involved.

an important position

Highlights the status and influence associated with the role.

a critical responsibility

Stresses the essential nature of the tasks and obligations.

a key component

Presents the role as an integral element of a larger system.

a central function

Highlights that the role is at the core of the activities.

a meaningful contribution

Underscores the value and impact of the role.

a considerable input

Emphasizes the extent of influence and resources provided by the role.

a prominent involvement

Highlights the visibility and active participation in the activities.

an integral role

Highlights the necessity and completeness of the role.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantive role" to describe a significant or important function someone or something has in a particular context. For example: "She played "a substantive role" in the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "a substantive role"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant part", "a major function", or "an important position" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a substantive role" or "an important role"?

While both are correct, "a substantive role" implies a more significant and impactful contribution than simply "an important role". The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a substantive role" in something?

To have "a substantive role" means to have a meaningful and impactful involvement, where your contributions significantly affect the outcome or process. It implies more than just a nominal or minor part.