passive role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passive role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or function where someone is not actively participating or taking initiative, often in a context of teamwork or responsibility. Example: "In this project, I will take a passive role, allowing others to lead the discussions and make decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They took a passive role.

The New York Times

She plays a purely passive role".

The Guardian - Film

He thought the passive role was finally self-destructive".

The New Yorker

Cablevision had a passive role in supplying it.

The New York Times

Performance plays a big, though sometimes passive, role.

The New York Times - Arts

In all this, government has played a largely passive role.

The Economist

But they said the agency should confined itself to "a relatively passive role".

The New York Times - Science

Goodman also said that Persky played a passive role in Ramirez's plea negotiations.

The Guardian

But this depends upon viewers stepping out of the passive role and engaging with reality.

The Guardian

But mutual funds have generally played a passive role in corporate governance, many critics say.

The New York Times

Like the others, Jörg functions as a figure in the conversation, but in a passive role.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passive role" to accurately describe situations where someone or something is not actively influencing events or decisions. It implies a lack of initiative or direct involvement.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "passive role" in contexts where the expectation is for active participation or leadership. This can create confusion or suggest a lack of responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passive role" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of inactivity or a lack of direct involvement in a particular situation. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passive role" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase signifying a state of inactivity or non-intervention. Analysis of Ludwig AI examples reveals that this phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While applicable across a range of registers, it's crucial to ensure its use aligns with the intended meaning of limited involvement, differentiating it from scenarios requiring active engagement. Related phrases like "inactive part" or "submissive position" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inactive part

Emphasizes the lack of active involvement.

submissive position

Highlights a yielding or compliant stance.

secondary function

Suggests a less important or supportive task.

non-participatory involvement

Highlights a lack of active participation.

receptive part

Focuses on receiving rather than initiating.

observer status

Indicates a role limited to watching without intervening.

quiet function

Implies a subdued or understated contribution.

limited engagement

Suggests restricted involvement or interaction.

hands-off approach

Describes a strategy of non-interference.

marginal role

Highlights a position of minor importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "passive role" to describe someone or something that isn't actively participating. For instance, "The government took a "passive role" in the negotiations, allowing the parties to reach their own agreement".

What's an alternative to "passive role"?

Alternatives include "inactive part", "submissive position", or "secondary function", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to take a "passive role" or an active one?

It depends on the situation. Sometimes a "passive role" is appropriate, such as when observing or supporting others. Other times, active involvement is necessary for success.

What does it mean to play a "passive role" in a relationship?

Playing a "passive role" in a relationship often means letting the other person take the lead in decision-making and activities. It can sometimes indicate a lack of assertiveness or engagement.