performs the role of

USAGE SUMMARY

"performs the role of" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone carrying out a particular job or responsibility. For example, "She performs the role of lead singer in the band."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And the tenor Gabriel Barrueco, a native of Cuba, performs the role of the messenger.

The New York Times

The commission's chairman, currently Stuart Burgess, also performs the role of advocate.

Independent

The interferometer performs the role of "entangling" the OAM and polarization degrees of freedom, resulting in a non-separable state.

Nature

Stefan Szkafarowsky, a bass renowned for his technical ability, performs the role of the high priest Ramfis.

The New York Times

It features members of the Australian Ballet, and Nureyev performs the role of Basilio and Lucette Aldous that of Kitri.

The New York Times

The neural network performs the role of a state vector observer.

Procedia Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

When her foster daughter married recently, Kristina performed the role of mother of the bride.

The Guardian

Is the novelist required, in some way, to perform the role of public intellectual?

The New Yorker

His credentials permit him to perform the role of medical guide for the masses.

The New Yorker

It allows visitors to perform the role of a detective by investigating crime scenes.

The New York Times

Self-doubt isn't deadly to a politician (previously performing the role of Hamlet: Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Abraham Lincoln).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions or processes, consider if a more concise alternative like "functions as" or "serves as" would be more impactful.

Common error

While "performs the role of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "acts as" or "is" would be more natural. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "performs the role of" functions as a predicate in a sentence, specifically indicating the action or function that a subject undertakes. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "performs the role of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the function or responsibility that someone or something undertakes. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business. While generally neutral to formal, you should avoid overusing it in casual writing, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Consider related phrases like ""functions as"" or ""serves as"" for concise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions as

Focuses on the action or purpose fulfilled, rather than the formal designation.

serves as

Highlights the act of providing a service or function.

acts as

Emphasizes the process of carrying out a function, sometimes in a temporary or informal way.

operates as

Describes the practical application of a function or system.

is responsible for

Highlights accountability and duty regarding a specific task.

carries out the function of

More formal and explicitly states the execution of a defined function.

is tasked with

Focuses on the assignment of a particular responsibility.

discharges the duties of

Emphasizes the fulfillment of obligations associated with a position.

executes the responsibilities of

Focuses on the active implementation and management of duties.

undertakes the task of

Highlights the commencement and engagement in a specific project or duty.

FAQs

How can I use "performs the role of" in a sentence?

You can use "performs the role of" to describe the function or responsibility of a person, object, or system. For example: "The software "performs the role of" data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "performs the role of"?

Alternatives include "serves as", "functions as", "acts as", or "is responsible for", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "performs the role of" and "plays the role of"?

"Performs the role of" is generally used for functions or responsibilities, while "plays the role of" is more commonly used in the context of acting or pretending. However, both are often interchangeable.

When is it best to use "performs the role of" instead of a simpler alternative?

Use "performs the role of" when you want to emphasize the formal or official capacity in which someone or something is functioning. It can add a level of seriousness or importance to the statement.