play a major role in

USAGE SUMMARY

"play a major role in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is a significant factor in a situation or process. For example: "Education plays a major role in helping people achieve their dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Property taxes play a major role in those high costs.

The New York Times

Fish hooks play a major role in the plot.

The New York Times

Britain continues to play a major role in the world.

Independent

They play a major role in your normal movement".

The New York Times - Health

Observations play a major role in diagnosis.

Artificial Intelligence

Temporal variables play a major role in the models.

EPJ Data Science

Peripheral mechanisms also play a major role in TTH.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Prostaglandins play a major role in renal functions and development.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Platelets play a major role in fracture healing.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Organic solvents play a major role in food industries.

AMB Express

Human activities play a major role in shaping fire regimes.

Carbon Balance and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "play a major role in", ensure that the subject and the action it influences are clearly defined for maximum clarity. For instance, instead of saying "Technology plays a major role", specify "Technology plays a major role in improving communication".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the subject. Instead of saying "X plays a major role in solving the crisis" when it's just one of many factors, consider "X contributes to solving the crisis" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a major role in" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the significant contribution or influence of a subject within a particular context. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is employed to highlight the importance of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "play a major role in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing the significance of something’s involvement or contribution. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable. Its prevalence across scientific, news, and formal business contexts underscores its versatility and importance in conveying influence and impact. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject and its effect. While widely applicable, avoid exaggerating the role to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a key factor in

Points out something as a particularly important element or determinant.

is instrumental in

Indicates that something is crucial or essential for achieving a particular outcome.

have a substantial impact on

Emphasizes the effect something has, suggesting a considerable change or result.

is central to

Indicates that something is at the core or heart of a matter.

exert a significant influence on

Focuses on the power or effect something has, rather than its mere participation.

have a determining effect on

Indicates that something is the primary factor that decides an outcome.

contribute significantly to

Highlights the contribution aspect, implying an active part in achieving something.

affect significantly

Highlights the effect on something without necessarily specifying the degree of involvement.

figure prominently in

Suggests that something is easily noticeable or important within a context.

bear heavily on

Implies a strong influence or impact on something, often with a sense of weight or importance.

FAQs

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

Use "play a major role in" to emphasize the significance of something's involvement. For example, "Education "plays a major role in" personal development".

What are some alternatives to "play a major role in"?

You can use alternatives like "is a key factor in", "have a substantial impact on", or "contribute significantly to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "play a major role in" or "play an important role in"?

"Play a major role in" and "play an important role in" are quite similar. "Major" suggests greater significance than "important", but both are grammatically correct and widely used.

What's the difference between "play a major role in" and "be responsible for"?

"Play a major role in" indicates significant involvement or influence, while "be responsible for" implies accountability or obligation. The first is about importance, the second is about duty.