lead role

USAGE SUMMARY

"lead role" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or character who has the most important part or responsibility in a situation. For example: "She is a rising star in Hollywood, having recently landed the lead role in a major motion picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"With a woman in the lead role.

Independent

Two actresses warred over the lead role.

The New Yorker

He landed the lead role.

The Guardian - Film

Matthew McConaughey should take the lead role.

The Guardian - Film

Anthony Perkins again played the lead role.

The New York Times - Arts

O.K. Adam Sandler plays the lead role.

The New York Times

Rooney, inevitably, took a lead role.

The Guardian - Sport

Lead role in comedy-drama, Blackpool.

The Guardian

Fabulous real estate plays a lead role in these recollections.

The New York Times - Books

This is the first major lead role of Ramírez's career.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Federal and state officials have also disagreed about who should take the lead role.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context is clear when using "lead role" to avoid ambiguity, especially in situations where 'role' could refer to a function or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid mistakenly using "lead role" when referring to characters or positions that are secondary or auxiliary to the main narrative. "Lead role" specifically indicates the most prominent and central character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead role" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the most significant character in a performance, as seen in Ludwig's examples where actors "landed the lead role" or "played the lead role". Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lead role" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe the most important character in a performance. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this expression is correct and usable in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, this term signifies the core character, distinct from supporting or minor characters. Understanding its usage helps writers accurately convey the significance of a character within a narrative. Alternative phrases such as "main role" or "starring role" can also be used depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main role

Focuses on the importance of the role without necessarily implying leadership.

central role

Indicates the role's importance to the core action or plot.

primary role

Highlights that the role is the most important one.

principal role

Emphasizes the role's significance and authority.

starring role

Highlights the celebrity status associated with the role.

chief role

Emphasizes the authority and responsibility linked to the role.

title role

Specifies that the role shares the name of the production.

foremost role

Stresses the preeminence and dominance of the role.

head role

Indicates the position at the top of a hierarchy.

driving role

Focuses on the power to advance events and actions.

FAQs

How is "lead role" used in a sentence?

The phrase "lead role" is used to describe the primary character in a performance. For example, "She landed the "lead role" in the school play".

What's a good alternative to "lead role"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "main role", "starring role", or "principal role".

What does it mean when someone is cast in a "lead role"?

Being cast in a "lead role" means an actor has been chosen to play the most important character in a play, movie, or other performance.

Is there a difference between "lead role" and "supporting role"?

Yes, the "lead role" is the main character, while a "supporting role" is a secondary character that helps to develop the story but isn't the central focus.