play a main role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a main role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the significance or importance of someone or something in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the success of the project, teamwork played a main role in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

OH radicals play a main role in degradation process of toluene or 4-chlorotoluene.

Surface and Coatings Technology

He will be joined by another newcomer, Bronagh Taggart (London Irish), who will also play a main role.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Multiagent systems, and electronic institutions in particular, can play a main role in the development of this type of systems.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Since exopolysaccharides play a main role in K. pneumoniae biofilm formation, we investigated their relationship with AI-2 synthesis.

Research in Microbiology

The rigid nanoparticles themselves play a main role in the rheological behavior, rather than the unchanged droplet-matrix structure with different droplet size induced by phase separation.

Construction and Building Materials

In this context, naturally occurring cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) might play a main role in a next generation of drugs against bacterial infections.

Acta Biomaterialia

Oxidative stress has been suggested to play a main role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease

Controlling the structures of supports and supported phases is important for catalytic applications where synergic effects can play a main role.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Linear Fresnel collectors are identified as a technology that should play a main role in order to reduce cost of Concentrating Solar Power.

Applied Energy

"It is hard to get elected when you are promising pain," explains Richard Johnson of the Urban Institute.The old will play a main role in choosing the next president, and future ones.

The Economist

The predicted results confirmed characteristic flow conditions that may play a main role in the serious erosion of the fourth stage rotor disc governor side, which has been detected in periodic overhauls.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "play a main role" to emphasize the primary importance of a factor or entity in a specific context. Ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what is "playing a main role" and in what process or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "play a main role" when the factor only has a minor or supporting influence. Opt for phrases like "play a part" or "contribute to" when the role is not central.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a main role" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something or someone has a significant level of importance or influence in a specific situation or process. Ludwig AI shows many examples of its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play a main role" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the primary importance of something in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. While it appears in diverse sources, it is predominantly found in scientific and news-related content. When using "play a main role", be sure to highlight the core contribution of the entity in question and avoid overstating its significance if its influence is only secondary. Consider alternatives like "be instrumental" or "serve a key purpose" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Have a central function

Focuses on the importance of the role.

Be instrumental

Highlights the active contribution to an outcome.

Serve a key purpose

Emphasizes the intention and importance of the role.

Act as a driving force

Suggests a proactive and influential role.

Figure prominently

Indicates a noticeable and important presence.

Take center stage

Implies being the most important element.

Be at the forefront

Highlights being a leader or primary actor.

Play a decisive part

Focuses on making a significant impact on the final result.

Be critical to

Indicates indispensability for a particular outcome.

Have a leading part

Suggests directing or guiding events.

FAQs

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

You can use "play a main role" to describe something that has primary importance in a particular process or outcome. For example: "Teamwork "played a main role" in the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "play a main role"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have a central function", "be instrumental", or "serve a key purpose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "play a major role" or "play a main role"?

Both "play a major role" and "play a main role" are acceptable. "Major" might imply a slightly broader scope of influence, while "main" emphasizes the core or principal aspect of the role.

What's the difference between "play a role" and "play a main role"?

"Play a role" simply indicates participation or involvement, while "play a main role" emphasizes that the involvement is central or of primary importance. It suggests a higher degree of influence and significance.