hold a role

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a role" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone having an important role or position in a group, organization, or project. For example, "John holds a key role in our organization's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

So you would hold a role against someone who happened to be gay or lesbian – they can't play a straight part?" The woman complained that only straight actors ever play transgender characters, and that more trans actors should get the opportunity.

The Guardian - Film

The FCA register says Usher has worked at JP Morgan since 2010 but it does not show any history of him working at RBS, where he most probably did not hold a role that required him to be on the register.

The Guardian - Business

Heaney, whose supposed partners in the Gibraltar-registered Bishop International shell company being used to purchase Home Park have not been revealed, is also the owner of Truro City and is not permitted under Football Association rules to hold a role in the playing side of the club's business.

The Guardian - Sport

"So you want to hold a role against someone who happened to be gay or lesbian – they can't play a straight part?" The woman went on to complain that "historically straight-gender people always play transgender people, and all of them received awards and credit for it".

Independent

We agree, as we consider it inconceivable that he could ever hold a role within the police service again".

BBC

"So you would hold a role against someone who happened to be gay or lesbian - they can't play a straight part?" Leto's response apparently got a round of applause from the audience and he later met the heckler and her friend for a "cordial conversation" for about 15 minutes.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

'GAME OF THEONES': THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON COLLECTOR'S EDITION This gift set of Season 1 of HBO's medievalish fantasy series comes in a weathered-looking box, decorated with the crests of some of the seven kingdoms of Westeros, that looks as if it should hold a role-playing game rather than a TV show.

The New York Times - Arts

After all, it is often overlooked how Platini, before taking up his current role with UEFA, held a role as an adviser to Blatter.

The New York Times

But as community leader in Sangarará district he holds a role regarded with great respect, and climate change is an issue he takes very seriously.

The Guardian

The judge in the case said merely that the 1967 statute "perhaps" didn't bar a spouse from holding a role like the one that Hillary Clinton took up.

The New Yorker

Gary Hoffman, Northern Rock's chief executive, will now step down from holding a role at the "bad bank" of the Newcastle-based lender.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a role" to indicate that someone currently occupies the stated role. For past roles, "held a role" would be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a role" interchangeably with phrases like "play a role" /s/play+a+role or "take on a role" /s/take+on+a+role without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Hold a role" suggests a current, defined position, while the others can imply involvement or assumption of duties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a role" functions as a verb phrase, where "hold" acts as the main verb indicating possession or occupancy, and "a role" serves as the direct object, signifying a position or function. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold a role" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's current position or function. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the responsibilities and scope of the position. Remember to consider alternatives like "occupy a position" or "perform a function" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful not to confuse it with similar phrases that might imply a less formal or more contributory involvement. Ludwig’s examples confirm its broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupy a position

Focuses on the act of filling a specific job or function.

perform a function

Emphasizes the action or task that someone carries out.

undertake a responsibility

Highlights the duties and obligations associated with a role.

assume a duty

Similar to undertaking a responsibility, but often implies a more formal acceptance of obligations.

take on an assignment

Focuses on a specific task or project that someone is responsible for.

play a part

Implies contributing to a larger effort or process, with a specific function within it.

fulfill a capacity

Highlights the ability to meet the requirements of a certain function or position.

serve in a capacity

Indicates the act of working or operating within a specific role or function.

exercise an office

A more formal way of saying someone holds a position of authority or responsibility.

conduct a function

Emphasizes the management or direction of a specific activity or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold a role" to describe someone's current position or function within an organization or project. For example, "She holds a crucial role in the company's marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "hold a role"?

Alternatives include "occupy a position", "perform a function", or "play a part", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "hold a role" and "play a role"?

"Hold a role" typically refers to a defined position or job, whereas "play a role" often implies a contribution or involvement without necessarily holding a formal position. For instance, someone might "play a role" in a project by offering advice, even if they don't "hold a role" as a manager.

Is it better to say "hold a role" or "held a role"?

Use "hold a role" to indicate a current position and "held a role" to indicate a past position. For example, "She currently holds a key role in the project" versus "She previously held a role as a project manager."