play a defining role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a defining role" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the significance or impact of someone or something in a particular context or situation. For example: "The new policy will play a defining role in shaping the future of education." Alternative expressions include "have a crucial impact" and "serve a pivotal function."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A lot depends on how your genes are expressed and this is where the environment can play a defining role.

The Guardian

It will be interesting to study the effects of SIRT1 in still other biological systems in which MSCs play a defining role.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

James resorts to what he believes to have been the greatest discovery of modern psychology, namely that subconscious forces play a defining role in the life of an individual, even when they have no conscious awareness of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The topography within the catchment was found to play a defining role for NDVI values.

Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A-B-C

The description goes on: "As Twitter's first product manager focused on revenue generation, you will play a defining role in the formulation of Twitter's business.

TechCrunch

In some countries concerns surrounding privacy will be an election issue - many current MEPs certainly feel strongly about it, and believe it is an issue where the European Parliament can play a defining role in defending the public interest.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We were initially intrigued by this finding, since Esat6 is not known to play a defined role during the in vitro growth of mycobacteria [35].

Plosone

To date, only scant information is available regarding the mechanisms of this transepithelial IgE transport, even though antibody-binding structures seem to play a defined role.

Plosone

These patterns suggest that each gene may play a defined role in the cell's response to variability.

Genome Biology and Evolution

While the transcription factors Runx2, and Osterix (OSX) have been shown to be essential for commitment to the osteoblastic lineage, few factors that play a defined role in early osteoblast lineage expansion have been identified (15- 19).

Cell Death and Differentiation

Yesterday's winner, the Dutchman Michael Boogerd, offered a timely reminder of the power superstitions and lucky charms have always played in a sport in which, more than most others, sheer bad luck plays a defining role.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "play a defining role", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defined. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "play a defining role" when the subject's impact is only minor or indirect. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact when you need to emphasize truly significant influences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a defining role" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is significantly influencing or determining a specific outcome or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "play a defining role" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the significant influence of something on an outcome or characteristic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across science, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being defined and avoid overstating the importance of the subject. Alternatives like "be instrumental" and "be crucial" can add formality. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively use "play a defining role" to convey the importance of key factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be pivotal

Suggests a turning point or a crucial moment influenced by the role.

be critical to

Underscores the essential nature of the role for achieving something.

be crucial

Highlights the critical importance of the role.

be central

Highlights the role's fundamental importance to something.

be instrumental

Focuses on the aspect of being essential or a key factor.

be key

Short and direct way of saying something is very important.

have a major impact

Emphasizes the significant effect produced.

be significant

Emphasizes the notable impact or influence.

exert a strong influence

Highlights the power or effect of the role.

shape the outcome

Focuses on the role's ability to determine the final result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "play a defining role" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be instrumental" or "be crucial". These alternatives convey importance with a higher degree of formality.

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

It means that the thing in question is highly important in determining the nature or outcome of something else. It has a significant influence that shapes the result.

Is it correct to say "played a defining role" instead of "play a defining role"?

Yes, "played a defining role" is the past tense of the phrase and is grammatically correct. Use "played" when referring to something that has already happened.

What are some common contexts where "play a defining role" is used?

This phrase is frequently used in discussions of science, news, and business, to emphasize key factors that shape outcomes or define characteristics.