minor role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'minor role' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe something that is not particularly significant or important in a situation, for example: "The mayor played a minor role in the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It still has a comparatively minor role.

Independent

Credibility evaluations played a minor role.

The New York Times

Oh, I played a very minor role.

The Guardian - Books

Interest rates play only a minor role.

The New York Times

In this calculation, interest rates play only a minor role.

The New York Times

Diffuse processes play, at most, a minor role.

The New York Times - Science

He had a very part-time, minor role".

The Guardian

Frank plays a minor role in the Prologue.

The New Yorker

Human error seems to have played only a minor role.

The New York Times

He had a minor role in the film "Almost Famous".

The New York Times - Arts

Elsewhere it plays a negligible or minor role.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor role", ensure the context clearly indicates what the major or primary role is for comparison. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating or minimizing the impact of a "minor role". Accurately represent its significance to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor role" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes something or someone's involvement that is secondary or less significant in a given context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something or someone with a secondary level of importance in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. When using "minor role", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the major role is for comparison and clarity. While similar phrases like "small role" or "supporting part" can be used interchangeably, be mindful of the subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest role

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "modest" to describe the size of the role.

limited involvement

Directly indicates a restriction in the degree of participation.

insignificant contribution

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the part played.

secondary function

Focuses on the idea of something being not the main function.

small contribution

Focuses on the minimal impact or input provided.

supporting part

Emphasizes the assistance provided rather than the leading aspect.

negligible impact

Highlights the almost nonexistent effect or influence.

background position

Suggests a role that is less visible or influential.

subsidiary capacity

Highlights the supplemental or auxiliary nature of the involvement.

peripheral participation

Implies involvement that is not central to the main activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor role" to describe something or someone that has a secondary or less important function in a particular situation. For example, "Although he was part of the team, he played a "minor role" in the project's success".

What are some alternatives to saying "minor role"?

Alternatives include phrases like "supporting part", "subsidiary capacity", or "limited involvement" which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "small role" instead of "minor role"?

Yes, "small role" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "minor role" and carries essentially the same meaning.

What's the difference between a "minor role" and a "major role"?

A "minor role" indicates a position or function of lesser importance or influence, while a "major role" signifies a primary, crucial, or leading position. The distinction lies in the degree of impact and responsibility.