express a role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express a role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the function or position someone has in a particular context, such as in a job or a narrative. Example: "In the play, the actor was able to express a role that resonated deeply with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They influence physical immunity of the fetus neonate and express a leading role in the perinatal period, being present in maternal and fetal tissues.

Early Human Development

Particularly problematic is the conflation of word variants that express a semantic role difference.

Bioinformatics

The language used to express a subordinate role often implied a degree of integration with the trial with terms such as 'embedded', 'nested' and 'incorporated'incorporated

BMC Medical Research Methodology

However the language used to express a subordinate role in our study often implied a degree of integration with the trial with terms such as 'embedded', 'nested' and 'incorporated'incorporated

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Nonetheless, PWHA expressed an important role for faith and religion in coping with HIV.

BMC Public Health

For most of the Phelpses, the hostility they expressed was a role that they enacted, dictated by a doctrine they had imbibed from their church leader and paterfamilias.

The Guardian - Opinion

The finding that several MAGE genes are ubiquitously expressed suggests a role for MAGE encoded proteins in normal cell physiology.

Gene

Each concentration was applied on TCBS agar, incubated at 30 °C for 24 h and expressed as a role of Log10 mean colony forming units per ml.

International Aquatic Research

Open image in new window Fig. 3 Number of Vibrio anguillarum expressed as a role of Log10 mean colony forming units per ml using different concentration of squilla chitosan (Csq) (a) and squilla chitosan silver nanoparticles (Csq AgNps) (b).

International Aquatic Research

Number of V. anguillarum colonies as a function of the concentration expressed as a role of Log10 mean colony forming units per ml compared with Csq and Csq AgNps-free Csq AgNps-free.

International Aquatic Research

To enumerate total V. anguillarum collected from infected tanks, samples were directly inoculated onto TCBs agar plates, incubated at 28 °C for 24 h, and then the number of V. anguillarum was expressed as a role of Log10 mean.

International Aquatic Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express a role", ensure the context clearly defines the function or position being described. This phrase works best when you want to emphasize the outward demonstration or manifestation of that role.

Common error

Avoid using "express a role" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "fulfill", "perform", or "undertake" might be more appropriate. It can sometimes sound vague or less impactful in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express a role" functions as a verb phrase where "express" is the verb indicating the action of conveying or showing, and "a role" is the noun phrase representing the function or position. It's about outwardly demonstrating a particular function.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "express a role" is grammatically sound but rarely used, indicating a function or position being outwardly demonstrated. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct. While its usage isn't widespread, it can be useful for emphasizing the active representation of a specific function. Alternatives include "articulate a function" or "demonstrate a part". When writing, be mindful of the context, and consider that in some instances, more common alternatives may enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate a function

Focuses on clearly stating or defining a function.

demonstrate a part

Emphasizes showing or proving the part someone plays.

portray a character

Specifically refers to representing a character, often in a theatrical context.

embody a responsibility

Highlights the act of fulfilling a duty or obligation.

manifest a purpose

Focuses on revealing or showing a particular intention.

reflect a position

Emphasizes showing or mirroring a particular stance or role.

exhibit a behavior

Focuses on displaying a specific action or conduct.

communicate an aspect

Highlights the act of conveying a specific feature or component.

perform a task

Directly focuses on carrying out a specific duty or job.

undertake a duty

Emphasizes the act of taking on a specific responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "express a role" to describe how someone demonstrates their function or position in a given situation. For example, "In the play, the actor was able to express a role that resonated deeply with the audience."

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

You can use alternatives like "articulate a function", "demonstrate a part", or "portray a character" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "express a role" or "play a role"?

"Express a role" and "play a role" are both grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Play a role" is more common and general, while "express a role" emphasizes how someone outwardly demonstrates their function or position. In most contexts, "play a role" is preferable.

What's the difference between "express a role" and "define a role"?

"Express a role" focuses on how someone demonstrates or manifests their function, whereas "define a role" emphasizes the act of clearly outlining or specifying the responsibilities and expectations of that position. "Define a role" is more about setting boundaries and understanding responsibilities; "express a role" is about how that role is enacted.