key role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the importance or significance of someone's contribution or function in a particular context or situation. Example: "The scientist played a key role in the development of the new vaccine, leading the research team through critical phases of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Administrators play a key role in that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Television's key role in cultural production, however, is undeniable.

The New York Times - Arts

Pensions have always played a key role in major privatisations.

The Guardian - Business

Queensland plays a key role in every federal election.

The Guardian

He has played a key role in each game.

The New York Times - Sports

Williams had a key role in the first three.

The Guardian - Sport

It plays a key role in causing the disease.

The New York Times - Science

The U.S. Marines played a key role in Jeff's life.

The New York Times

Culture can play a key role in spurring development".

The Guardian

Governments will play a key role in this.

The Guardian

Substitute Willian plays key role in winner.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "key role in", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the role influences or affects. Providing specific details about the impact of the role strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "key role in" when the role is only marginally important. Overstating the significance can weaken your argument. Be precise about the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key role in" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or within a prepositional phrase. It identifies and emphasizes the significant part that someone or something plays in a particular situation or process, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key role in" is a versatile and widely used expression to emphasize the significance of someone or something in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains like news, science, and formal communications. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure you specify what the role influences to strengthen your writing. While "key role in" is suitable for formal contexts, avoid overstating the importance of a role, maintaining precision to enhance credibility. For variety, consider alternatives such as "significant part in" or "crucial element in" based on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant part in

Replaces "key role" with "significant part", indicating importance without using the exact same wording.

Central function in

Substitutes "key role" with "central function", highlighting the essential purpose or task.

Important factor in

Replaces "key role" with "important factor", focusing on contribution to a result or outcome.

Crucial element in

Substitutes "key role" with "crucial element", emphasizing the necessity of the role.

Vital component of

Replaces "key role in" with "vital component of", stressing that the role is an indispensable part of something.

Plays a crucial part in

Adds the verb "plays" and changes "key role" to "crucial part", maintaining the meaning while altering the structure.

Has a pivotal function in

Changes "key role" to "pivotal function", emphasizing the turning-point nature of the role.

Is instrumental to

Replaces "key role in" with "is instrumental to", indicating the role is a means to achieve something.

Serves a critical purpose in

Changes "key role" to "critical purpose", emphasizing the essential nature of the function.

Holds a prominent position in

Substitutes "key role" with "prominent position", highlighting the importance and visibility of the role.

FAQs

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

Use "key role in" to describe someone or something that has a significant impact or function. For example, "Education plays a "key role in" rehabilitation".

What are some alternatives to "key role in"?

You can use alternatives such as "significant part in", "central function in", or "important factor in depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "key role in" in formal writing?

Yes, "key role in" is suitable for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely accepted phrase that conveys importance effectively. However, ensure the context warrants its use, avoiding overstatement. Always provide specific details about the impact of the role to strengthen your argument.

What's the difference between ""key role in"" and "pivotal role in"?

"Key role in" indicates general importance, while "pivotal role in" suggests that the role is critical in changing or determining an outcome. "Pivotal" implies a turning point or decisive influence.