fills the role of

USAGE SUMMARY

'fills the role of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the function or purpose of someone or something. For example, "John's years of experience fills the role of a mentor for the new hires."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Larry Bryggman expertly fills the role of Judge Gaffney, who is called in by Veta to support Elwood's confinement.

The New York Times

Ryder will play Vinni Restiano, a confidante to Wasicsko, while Molina fills the role of councillor "Hank" Spallone, a tough-talking former detective from the Bronx.

The Telegraph

He fills the role of a typical graduate assistant, putting together scouting reports, breaking down film and gathering news media clips of a coming opponent from the Internet.

The New York Times - Sports

She fills the role of the chosen mother for Con, in that way people have of finding surrogate parents to compensate for the shortcomings of their own.

The New York Times - Books

But his performance in a minor league game Saturday may go a long way to determining whether he joins the Yankees and fills the role of 25th player.

The New York Times - Sports

"Duck Dynasty" follows the goings-on at Duck Commander, a family business in Louisiana that is built on duck calls first manufactured by Phil Robertson, who now fills the role of odd, somewhat inscrutable patriarch.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The polymathic Mr. Barney fills the roles of star, writer, director and set designer.

The New York Times

In most cases and perhaps most desirable a single person fills the roles of supervisor and theological mentor.

Yale University

Could Owen Farrell fill the role of match-winner?

The Guardian - Sport

"In another sense we fill the role of a Judith".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Kennedy is also filling the role of leading legislative critic of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fills the role of" to clearly define the function or purpose of a person, object, or concept within a specific context. This phrase provides clarity and precision in describing responsibilities and duties.

Common error

Avoid using "fills the role of" in excessively passive constructions. Instead, focus on active language to clearly show who or what is fulfilling the role and how they are doing it. For example, instead of "The position is filled by John", try "John fills the role of..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fills the role of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI suggests it's correct and usable. It clarifies the specific function or purpose someone or something fulfills within a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fills the role of" is a versatile expression used to denote the fulfillment of a specific function or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It commonly appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase is suitable for formal and professional settings, it's also acceptable for less formal communication. Related phrases include "serves as", "functions as", and "acts as", offering similar ways to express the idea of fulfilling a particular duty or task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfills the function of

This alternative highlights the successful completion or execution of a specific task.

serves as

This alternative emphasizes the function or purpose fulfilled, focusing on the action of serving in a specific capacity.

functions as

This option highlights the way something operates or works within a particular system or context.

acts as

This phrase focuses on the behavior or actions taken by someone or something in a given situation.

performs the function of

This alternative stresses the specific task or activity that something is designed to do.

takes on the role of

This phrase highlights the assumption of responsibility or duty.

is responsible for

This alternative directly indicates accountability for a specific task or area.

plays the part of

This idiom is often used in contexts such as theater or social interactions.

is in charge of

This option emphasizes the position of authority or control over something.

undertakes the duty of

This phrase focuses on the act of committing to and carrying out a specific responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "fills the role of" in a sentence?

You can use "fills the role of" to describe the function or purpose of someone or something. For example, "The new software "serves as" the primary communication tool within the company".

What are some alternatives to "fills the role of"?

Some alternatives to "fills the role of" include phrases like ""serves as"", "functions as", or "acts as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fills the role of" in formal writing?

Yes, "fills the role of" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood in academic and professional contexts. However, make sure it "fits the context".

What's the difference between "fills the role of" and "plays the role of"?

"Fills the role of" generally refers to fulfilling the actual duties and responsibilities of a position or function, whereas "plays the part of" often implies a more performative or theatrical aspect.