have a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have a key role' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a person or thing as being of great importance in a particular situation. For example, you could say: "The CEO had a key role in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't councils have a key role?

BBC

Palestinians also have a key role here.

The New York Times

Gardeners have a key role to play.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Partnerships clearly have a key role to play.

The Guardian

Architects have a key role to play in this change.

The Guardian

Wind and biofuels would have a key role, he said.

The Guardian - Business

Santos could have a key role as well".

Independent

But our writers have a key role to play in turning the tide.

The Guardian - Books

Social workers will have a key role to play in handling the fallout from the recession.

The Guardian

The college and Ms Malone have a key role in tackling this.

The Guardian

Now they have a key role in a piece of modern mythology.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a key role", ensure that the context clearly defines the area or situation where the role is significant. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "have a key role" without specifying where the role is key. For instance, instead of saying "Technology has a key role", specify "Technology has a key role in modern education" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a key role" functions as a predicate in a sentence, emphasizing the significance of a subject within a specific context. This is supported by Ludwig AI’s analysis and the provided examples, which showcase its prevalent use in diverse situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a key role" is a versatile and widely used expression to emphasize the importance of someone or something in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various registers, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. When using "have a key role", remember to clearly define the context in which the role is significant to maximize clarity and impact. Alternatives like "play a vital part" or "be instrumental in" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play a vital part

This alternative emphasizes the essential nature of the role.

be instrumental in

This suggests a direct influence and contribution to a specific outcome.

have a significant impact

This highlights the effect that the role has on something.

be central to

This emphasizes the importance of being the core or focus of something.

be crucial for

This indicates that something is essential and critical.

contribute significantly to

Highlights the substantial contribution towards a specific goal or outcome.

be essential to

Indicates the fundamental necessity of the role.

be pivotal in

Emphasizes the turning-point nature of the role.

hold a position of influence

This highlights the power and sway associated with the role.

exert considerable influence

This highlights the degree of impact and significance associated with the role.

FAQs

How can I use "have a key role" in a sentence?

Use "have a key role" to emphasize the importance of someone or something in a particular context. For example, "Scientists "have a key role" in informing that discussion."

What are some alternatives to "have a key role"?

You can use alternatives such as "play a vital part", "be instrumental in", or "have a significant impact" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to say "has a key role" or "plays a key role"?

Both "has a key role" and "plays a key role" are grammatically correct, but "plays a key role" often implies a more active and dynamic involvement compared to "has a key role".

What's the difference between "have a key role" and "have an important role"?

"Have a key role" suggests a role that is not only important but also essential or fundamental to the success or functioning of something. "Have an important role" simply indicates significance, but not necessarily criticality.