play a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

"play a key role" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to playing an important part in a task or process. For example, "The CEO's leadership skills played a key role in the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They nonetheless play a key role.

The Economist

The Chevrolet Volt will play a key role.

The New York Times

Shifting taxes will play a key role.

The Guardian

Administrators play a key role in that.

The Guardian - Opinion

The international community could play a key role.

The Guardian

Culture can play a key role in spurring development".

The Guardian

Governments will play a key role in this.

The Guardian

Demographics play a key role.

Forbes

Parallel programming models play a key role.

Intel Xeon Phi Processor High Performance Programming Knights Landing Edition

Elicited xenoreactive antibodies play a key role.

Kidney International

Passive metals play a key role in many fields.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "play a key role" when you want to emphasize the importance of someone or something in achieving a particular outcome. It highlights significant involvement and influence.

Common error

While effective, "play a key role" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "be instrumental" or "contribute significantly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a key role" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the significant involvement or influence of someone or something in a particular context or process. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "play a key role" is a versatile and widely used expression to highlight the significant importance of someone or something in a process or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While very common, it's important to avoid overuse by considering synonyms such as "be instrumental" or "contribute significantly" to add variety to your writing. This phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, emphasizing its broad applicability and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be instrumental

Focuses on being a crucial instrument or means to achieve a particular result.

Contribute significantly

Highlights the substantial contribution made towards a specific outcome.

Have a major impact

Emphasizes the significant effect or influence exerted.

Be a driving force

Suggests being a primary impetus or source of energy behind something.

Serve a critical function

Highlights the essential function or purpose that something fulfills.

Be central to

Indicates that something is at the center or core of an activity or process.

Be a cornerstone of

Implies that something is a fundamental element on which something else is based.

Hold a vital position

Highlights the indispensable position or status that something occupies.

Exert considerable influence

Focuses on the substantial influence or power that something wields.

Make a crucial difference

Emphasizes the decisive impact or change that something brings about.

FAQs

How can I use "play a key role" in a sentence?

You can use "play a key role" to emphasize the importance of someone or something in a process. For example, "Technology will "play a key role" in the future of education".

What phrases are similar to "play a key role"?

Similar phrases include "be instrumental", "contribute significantly", or "have a major impact". These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "played a key role"?

Yes, "played a key role" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when referring to something that has already happened. For example, "She "played a key role" in the project's success".

What's the difference between "play a key role" and "play an important role"?

While similar, "play a key role" suggests a more critical or essential contribution compared to "play an important role". The former implies the role is indispensable, while the latter indicates the role is merely significant.