a token role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a token role" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a role that is symbolic or superficial, often implying that the role does not carry significant weight or importance. Example: "In the film, the actress played a token role that did not contribute much to the overall plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The de facto power will shift to the premier's office, with the new president playing only a token role.

The Guardian - Opinion

More of that debt will be to official creditors, especially if the private bondholders play only a token role now.

The Economist

Students and faculty at most universities don't expect to play more than a token role in the selection of a new president.

The New York Times

Enmeshed in what is usually taken to be a period of reaction against female empowerment, they offer far more than a token role.

The Guardian - Film

Until last year, the United States military tried to defeat the insurgency on its own, with Iraqi forces playing only a token role.

The New York Times

Smith returned midway through the second half to play a token role, but by then Hull had given the Wolves a salutary lesson in anger management by wrapping up a win to lift them to fourth place in Super League.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So it's a shame about the token role for Rose Byrne (a workaholic coaxed from careerism by Wilson's butterscotch charms), as well as the extended central scene in a lap-dancing club.

The Guardian - Film

Pakistan has barred the United States from playing more than a token military role in the country.

The New Yorker

Pakistan has barred the U.S. from playing more than a token military role in the country.

The New Yorker

Of all the cliches associated with rappers, one with more truth in it than most is their fondness for epic entourages: staff, sidekicks and assorted hangers-on designated a token menial role in the group.

The Guardian - Music

As for it being a token female role, it's all a matter of how the movie is.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a token role", ensure the context clearly indicates that the role is symbolic or lacks real influence. This avoids confusion and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Be careful not to assume "a token role" always indicates complete insignificance. Sometimes, even a symbolic role can have an indirect influence or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a token role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a specific type of role characterized by its symbolic or superficial nature. As seen in Ludwig, this expression commonly appears in contexts where the significance or influence of a particular role is being assessed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a token role" is a noun phrase used to describe a position or contribution that is primarily symbolic or lacks substantial influence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the term isn't inherently negative, it often suggests that the role's impact is limited or superficial. When using "a token role", ensure your context clearly signals the symbolic nature of the role. Related phrases like "a symbolic function" or "a superficial position" can serve as useful alternatives. The phrase appears across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a symbolic function

Emphasizes the representative nature of the role, lacking real power.

a superficial position

Highlights the lack of depth and importance in the role.

a minimal contribution

Focuses on the small impact the role has.

a perfunctory duty

Suggests the role is carried out without real interest or effort.

a nominal part

Indicates the role exists in name only, lacking substance.

a gesture role

Highlights that the role is made as a gesture of goodwill but without real effect.

a face-saving measure

The role is created to avoid criticism rather than to genuinely contribute.

a lightweight responsibility

Indicates that the role is light and does not carry much weight.

a sham appointment

The role is merely a pretense without any real authority.

a placeholder position

Indicates a temporary position without real powers.

FAQs

How to use "a token role" in a sentence?

You can use "a token role" to describe a position or contribution that is symbolic or minimal, such as: "The new president played "a token role" in the negotiations."

What can I say instead of "a token role"?

You can use alternatives like "a symbolic function", "a superficial position", or "a minimal contribution" depending on the context.

Is "a token role" negative?

While "a token role" often implies a lack of real power or influence, it isn't inherently negative. It simply describes a role that is primarily symbolic or representative.

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

"A token role" suggests a minimal or symbolic contribution, while "a significant role" implies a substantial and impactful contribution. They are contrasting concepts.