critical role

USAGE SUMMARY

"critical role" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a job or position that has a large impact on the success or failure of something. For example, "The CEO plays a critical role in leading the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their critical role requires regulation.

The New York Times

AIM, he argues, plays a critical role.

Independent

Washington has a critical role to play.

The New York Times

Technology certainly played a critical role.

The New York Times

Leadership plays a critical role.

The Guardian

That played a critical role.

Yale University

"The public will play a critical role.

The Guardian

Listening plays a critical role too.

Harvard Business Review

Digitized platforms play a critical role.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Women can play a critical role in making this happen.

The Guardian

Investors in particular have a critical role to play.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "critical role" to emphasize the high level of importance or necessity of a person, thing, or action within a specific context. For broader applications, consider alternatives like "important role" or "significant role".

Common error

Avoid using "critical role" when a simpler term like "important" or "essential" is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact. Reserve "critical role" for situations where the role truly determines success or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical role" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase highlights a significant level of importance or necessity within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "critical role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the high importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a job or position that significantly impacts success. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. For variety, consider alternatives like "decisive role" or "instrumental role", but reserve "critical role" for situations where the role is truly essential. Avoid redundancy by not modifying "critical" with intensifiers like "very". This phrase has a wide range of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisive role

Emphasizes the determining factor in a situation.

pivotal role

Highlights the turning-point nature of the role.

critical importance

Focuses on the high level of significance of something.

key role

Indicates a role of primary importance.

instrumental role

Highlights the function of being a key instrument or means to achieve something.

central role

Emphasizes the position as the focal point.

important role

A more general term indicating significance.

fundamental role

Stresses the foundational nature of the role.

significant role

Highlights the notable impact or influence.

substantial role

Suggests a significant or considerable contribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical role" to describe someone or something essential to the success of a project or endeavor. For example, "The manager plays a critical role in ensuring the team meets its deadlines."

What can I say instead of "critical role"?

You can use alternatives like "decisive role", "instrumental role", or "key role" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very critical role"?

Yes, using "very" with "critical role" is generally considered redundant because "critical" already implies a high degree of importance. It's best to stick with "critical role".

What is the difference between "critical role" and "important role"?

"Critical role" implies that the role is essential for success and that failure in that role could lead to significant negative consequences. "Important role" simply means that the role is significant but not necessarily essential. The difference is one of degree.