pivotal role

USAGE SUMMARY

'pivotal role' is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a role which is critical to the success of a project or other undertaking, or to the effect of a person, event, or action in determining the overall course of something. For example, "Without her guidance, the project would not have succeeded - she played a pivotal role in its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often, debt plays a pivotal role.

The New York Times

Japan plays a pivotal role.

The New York Times

Pivotal role of institutional investors.

Harvard University

All of which emphasises Megson's pivotal role.

The Guardian - Sport

Emanuel will clearly have a pivotal role.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was still a pivotal role.

The New York Times

But finances also play a pivotal role.

The Washington Post

Pivotal role of ticks as vectors highlighted.

Cornell University

Space technology plays a pivotal role in society development.

Advances in Space Research

China plays a pivotal role in the climate talks.

The Guardian

Lesson 7: The gov't will play the pivotal role.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject plays a pivotal role in. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pivotal role" when a simpler term like "important role" or "key part" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact, making your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pivotal role" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the critical importance or decisive influence of a person, thing, or factor in a particular context. Ludwig AI shows examples in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pivotal role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significant importance or influence of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with examples spanning news, academic, and scientific domains. It is often used to highlight something essential for achieving a specific outcome. While alternatives like "essential role" or "critical role" exist, "pivotal role" carries a slightly broader connotation of influence. When using the phrase, be mindful of overuse and ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Essential role

Emphasizes that the role is absolutely necessary.

Critical role

Highlights the role as being crucial to success or survival.

Crucial role

Similar to 'critical role', underscoring decisive importance.

Significant role

Indicates that the role is noteworthy and impactful.

Key role

Stresses the role's importance as a fundamental component.

Central role

Highlights that the role is at the core or center of something.

Vital role

Emphasizes the role's necessity for life or continuation.

Important part

A less formal way of indicating significance.

Principal function

Focuses on the primary duty or task.

Indispensable contribution

Highlights that the contribution is irreplaceable or essential.

FAQs

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

You can use "pivotal role" to emphasize the significant importance of someone or something. For example, "Technology played a "pivotal role" in the campaign's success."

What phrases are similar to "pivotal role"?

Alternatives to "pivotal role" include "essential role", "critical role", or "crucial role". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "pivotal role" or "important role"?

"Pivotal role" suggests a higher degree of importance and influence than "important role". Use "pivotal" when the role is truly critical to the outcome; otherwise, "important" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something plays a "pivotal role"?

When something plays a "pivotal role", it means it has a crucial or decisive influence on events, outcomes, or situations. Its presence or action is essential to what happens.