holding a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding a key role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an important or significant position in a particular context, such as a project, organization, or team. Example: "In the success of the project, Sarah was holding a key role as the lead designer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The general practitioner (GP) is increasingly regarded as holding a key role in securing equity and effectiveness [ 3].

BMC Health Services Research

Holding a key role in service provision, close to the patient, and provided with accurate information on the risks and benefits of different feeding options, nurses are considered a group that is able to influence mothers' decisions on infant feeding and that can thus contribute to the reduction of postnatal transmission of HIV [ 16, 17].

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her elder sister, Kim Sul-song, for example, held a key role in the party's powerful propaganda department under their father.

The Guardian

The PTX holds a key role in the formation of clusters.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In AVs, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) hold a key role in positioning vehicles on an accurate map.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Municipalities, as responsible entities for physical planning, can hold a key role in transforming energy systems towards carbon-neutrality, based on renewable energies.

Sustainable Cities and Society

It has been proven that oxidative stress (an imbalance between the production of ROS and the scavenging ability of the body) holds a key role in the development of diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Chemistry Central Journal

Based on the work of quantum physicists like David Bohm and Werner Heisenberg the term "Interconnectedness" today holds a key role in the field of New Sciences.

Huffington Post

Improving prisoner education holds a key role in Cameron's reform plan, which calls for closer government ties with private teacher training and support groups, such as TeachFirst, to draw newly graduated teachers into working in national prisons.

Huffington Post

The results reveal that food certainly holds a key role in the attachment process, while tactile contact was here clearly insufficient for bonding to occur.

Plosone

Hence, serglycin holds a key role in the assembly of granule dense core material and this has proven vital for proper storage of a number of secretory granule compounds [11], [12], [14].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holding a key role", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the role 'key'. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "holding a key role" for minor or insignificant contributions. Reserve it for roles that genuinely have a substantial impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding a key role" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject has a significant position or responsibility within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

10%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "holding a key role" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the importance and influence of someone or something within a specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it's prevalent in scientific, news, and business settings, it's crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the role genuinely holds significant weight. Alternatives like "playing a pivotal role" or "occupying a crucial position" can offer subtle variations in meaning, enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing a pivotal role

Emphasizes the critical importance of the role.

having a central function

Highlights the role's importance to the operation.

occupying a crucial position

Focuses on the importance of the role's ranking or status.

being instrumental in

Highlights the agent's contribution to a specific goal or outcome.

performing a vital part

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the role.

serving an essential purpose

Highlights the core function and necessity of the role.

wielding significant influence

Focuses on the power and impact associated with the role.

bearing substantial responsibility

Highlights the duties and obligations tied to the role.

exerting considerable control

Emphasizes the authority and command inherent in the role.

maintaining a leading presence

Stresses the role's visibility and dominance in a given field.

FAQs

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

You can use "holding a key role" to describe someone or something that has a significant function or influence in a particular situation. For example, "The general practitioner is increasingly regarded as "holding a key role" in securing equity and effectiveness."

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

Alternatives include "playing a pivotal role", "having a central function", or "occupying a crucial position", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "holding a key role" or "playing a key role"?

Both "holding a key role" and "playing a key role" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Holding" suggests more of a continuous and sustained influence.

What's the difference between "holding a key role" and "having a key role"?

While both phrases convey importance, "holding a key role" often implies actively executing responsibilities and maintaining influence, whereas "having a key role" can simply indicate possessing the role without necessarily emphasizing the active execution.