peripheral role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peripheral role" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: While the main character was the focus of the story, the supporting characters played a peripheral role in driving the plot forward.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I said I had a peripheral role.

The New York Times

I had a peripheral role at Lampoon during its decline.

The New York Times

Even in the actual process of being married, she played a peripheral role.

The New York Times - Books

It is odd seeing Broad around the group in a peripheral role.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1999 and 2004, he played a peripheral role in examinations of the Madoff firm, current and former officials said.

The New York Times

A close friend of Kenneth W. Starr, Mr. Olson played a peripheral role in the Whitewater and Paula Jones cases that led to the impeachment of President Clinton.

The New York Times

In the contemporary art world, Native American art occupies a peripheral role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be that a pitch on which spinners play only a peripheral role will make his inclusion easier, to share duties with Root.

The Guardian - Sport

Both the film and book tackled race relations in America's south, and even in a peripheral role, Duvall displayed his ability to intrigue and captivate an audience.

The Guardian - Film

Jackson, for understandable reasons, has concentrated his cinematic fire on the clang of swordplay and the roar of battle; this consigns Bilbo to a peripheral role throughout.

The Guardian - Film

He counts on the private sector to generate full employment, with government playing a peripheral role, mainly in tax incentives that encourage companies to create more jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's contribution, use "peripheral role" to accurately represent their limited involvement without diminishing their presence altogether.

Common error

Avoid using "peripheral role" when the contribution is significant; doing so undermines the person's actual impact. If the involvement is substantial, use words like "key role" or "significant part" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peripheral role" functions as a noun phrase where "peripheral" modifies the noun "role". It describes a position or part that is not of primary importance. Ludwig examples confirm its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "peripheral role" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a secondary or minor function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of involvement. Alternatives such as "minor part" or "supporting position" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoiding overstatement and ensuring correct contextual usage are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor part

Focuses on the limited contribution or involvement.

secondary function

Emphasizes the supportive or auxiliary nature of the role.

supporting position

Highlights the assistance provided rather than the primary responsibility.

subsidiary role

Indicates a role that is dependent on or subordinate to another.

non-essential function

Stresses that the role is not critical or indispensable.

marginal involvement

Suggests a minimal degree of participation or influence.

ancillary capacity

Highlights the aiding or assisting nature of the role.

background presence

Emphasizes a less visible or influential role.

limited participation

Indicates a restricted level of engagement or activity.

indirect influence

Suggests that the impact is not direct or immediate.

FAQs

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

You can use "peripheral role" to describe someone or something that has a minor or supporting function in a larger context. For example, "While she attended the meetings, her involvement was limited to a "peripheral role".".

What are some alternatives to "peripheral role"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "minor part", "secondary function", or "supporting position".

Is it always negative to describe something as a "peripheral role"?

Not necessarily. It simply indicates that the role is not central or primary. It can be neutral or even positive if acknowledging that someone's contribution, while small, was still valuable.

What is the difference between a "peripheral role" and a "central role"?

A "peripheral role" implies a minor, supporting function, whereas a "central role" indicates a primary, essential function. Someone in a central role has significant influence and responsibility.