define a role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define a role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the responsibilities or functions assigned to a person or group within a specific context, such as a job or project. Example: "In our team meeting, we need to define a role for each member to ensure clarity in our tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors define a role for RhoB in controlling neoplastic pathophysiology.

Nature

Should we settle for "good enough" to define a role that involves a range of practical techniques and complex emotions?

The Guardian

Trying to Define a Role But it is not clear that she has played a pivotal role in larger matters.

The New York Times

These studies define a role for PI4KA in myelin formation primarily affecting metabolism of key phospholipids and the actin cytoskeleton.

Cell Reports

"But it was not possible to define a role for her a priori, as some people would have liked, in a legal way.

The New York Times

Our findings define a role for CMA in regulating T cell activation through the targeted degradation of negative regulators of T cell activation.

Nature

These results together define a role for Set2 methyltransferase activity in promoting canonical NHEJ and are consistent with impaired NHEJ in set2Δ cells leading to increased HR.

Nature

Prospective studies are warranted to define a role for MDR1 and ERCC1 analysis in individualizing multimodality treatment in locally advanced bladder cancer.

Neoplasia

We also describe four paths which govern cholesterol passage across the enterocyte and define a role for the gut in the regulation of reverse cholesterol transport.

Progress in Lipid Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I think the difficulty has passed in defining a role," she said immediately.

The New Yorker

The task of more precisely defining a role for the NATO-Russia Council was put off until May.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define a role", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and limitations of the role being defined. This prevents ambiguity and ensures all parties understand the expectations.

Common error

Avoid vaguely defining a role which could lead to overlapping responsibilities with other team members. Instead, use specific and measurable terms to outline each person's unique contributions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define a role" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of specifying or clarifying the responsibilities, duties, and functions associated with a particular position or function. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

26%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define a role" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies the act of clarifying responsibilities and functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. Related phrases include "establish a function" and "determine responsibilities", which offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. The key to using "define a role" effectively is to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in outlining the scope and limitations of the role. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Nature, affirming its relevance and validity in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a function

Focuses on setting up a specific function instead of a broader role.

specify functions

Centers on detailing particular functions or operations.

determine responsibilities

Emphasizes the act of specifying duties and accountabilities.

delineate responsibilities

A more formal way of outlining specific accountabilities.

outline duties

Highlights the action of creating a plan of someone's tasks.

clarify expectations

Focuses on making expectations clear for a given role.

assign tasks

Focuses on delegating specific tasks within a role.

shape responsibilities

Highlights influencing or molding the tasks associated to a role.

designate function

Similar to assign, but can also imply a more formal appointment.

characterize responsibilities

Focuses on the act of describing or defining the features of the responsibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "define a role" to describe the process of specifying someone's responsibilities. For example, "The project manager will define a role for each team member".

What is a good alternative to "define a role"?

Alternatives include "establish a function", "determine responsibilities", or "outline duties" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "define a role"?

To "define a role" means to clarify and specify the responsibilities, functions, and expectations associated with a particular position or function.

Is it better to "define a role" or "establish a role"?

Both "define a role" and "establish a role" are acceptable. "Define" implies clarifying existing responsibilities, while "establish" suggests creating a new role.