central role

USAGE SUMMARY

'central role' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that plays an important role in a certain situation, for example: "John's central role in the project ensured its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even Prittlbach retained its central role.

The New York Times

Food often has a central role.

The New York Times

Always, vegetables play a central role.

The New York Times - Travel

Communications takes a central role.

The Guardian

He occupies a central role.

The Washington Post

It has a central role.

The Washington Post

Film boiling plays a central role.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Granted, she has the play's central role.

The New York Times

Mitochondria play a central role during apoptosis.

Nature

That M≫m plays a central role.

Nuclear Physics B

In this concept the criterion Λ plays a central role.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central role" to emphasize the importance of a specific function or element, distinguishing it from other contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "central role". Vary your language by using synonyms like "key part", "pivotal role", or "critical function" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates something's high importance or essential function, for example, "Film boiling plays a central role."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central role" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the high importance or essential function of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "key part" or "pivotal role" to maintain clarity and prevent redundancy. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal role

This alternative emphasizes the turning-point or crucial nature of the role.

critical function

This alternative highlights the necessary and vital aspect of the role, framing it as a function.

integral part

This alternative emphasizes how the role is necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.

key part

This alternative uses simpler language to convey the idea of importance, focusing on the component nature of the role.

significant part

This alternative emphasizes the importance and impact of the role.

essential element

This alternative focuses on the fundamental and indispensable characteristic of the role.

primary importance

This alternative emphasizes the superior relevance of something.

fundamental aspect

This alternative highlights how the role is basic and essential.

major player

This alternative describes someone or something that has importance or influence.

core component

This alternative focuses on something that is essential to the existence or success of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "central role" to emphasize the importance of something in a particular context. For instance, "Technology plays a "central role" in modern education".

What are some alternatives to "central role"?

Alternatives to "central role" include "key part", "pivotal role", or "critical function", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "central role" or "important role"?

"Central role" implies something is essential and fundamental. "Important role" simply means something is significant, but not necessarily indispensable. The better choice depends on the degree of importance you want to express.

What's the difference between a "central role" and an "instrumental role"?

A "central role" signifies being essential and fundamental, while an "instrumental role" emphasizes being a means to achieve a specific outcome. For example, innovation may play a "central role" in the economy, while marketing plays an instrumental role in driving sales.