play a part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's involvement or role in a particular situation or event. Example: "In the success of the project, each team member played a part in ensuring everything ran smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All may play a part.

The Economist

Money will play a part.

The Economist

Hormones also play a part.

The Economist

History may play a part.

The Economist

That could play a part.

Independent

Narcissism may also play a part.

The Economist

Politics, however, will play a part.

The New York Times - Sports

But social reasons play a part too.

The Economist

Disciplinary sanctions also play a part.

The Economist

But slow growth may play a part.

The Economist

Other factors play a part, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "play a part", ensure it's followed by "in" to clearly define the context or event where the involvement occurs. For example, "play a part in the decision-making process".

Common error

Avoid omitting the preposition "in" after "play a part" as it can lead to ambiguity. Saying "they play a part the project" is grammatically incorrect; instead, say "they play a part in the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a part" functions as a verb phrase, indicating involvement or contribution to a particular situation or event. Ludwig shows that it is typically followed by the preposition "in" to specify the context of the participation. This indicates the specific area where something or someone has influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play a part" is a common and grammatically sound way to express involvement or contribution. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its widespread use across various domains. To ensure clarity, always follow it with "in" to specify the context. Be mindful of the nuanced differences between "play a part" and other similar phrases to achieve greater writing precision. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a role in

States a specific function or responsibility within a larger context.

contribute to

Focuses on the act of giving or adding to something, rather than having a role.

make a contribution to

Stresses the act of providing something beneficial to a larger effort.

be instrumental in

Emphasizes a crucial role or influence in achieving a particular outcome.

have a hand in

Suggests involvement, often in a collaborative or less direct way.

factor into

Indicates that something is one of several things that influences a result.

figure in

Implies importance or relevance in a situation or outcome.

participate in

Highlights taking part in an activity or event.

share in

Highlights taking part in something along with others, often sharing responsibility or credit.

be involved in

Indicates a general connection or engagement with something.

FAQs

How can I use "play a part" in a sentence?

Use "play a part" to indicate that someone or something has an influence or role in a particular situation or event. For example, "Education can "play a part" in reducing inequality".

What can I say instead of "play a part"?

You can use alternatives like "contribute to", "have a role in", or "be instrumental in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "play a part in" or "play a role in"?

Both "play a part in" and "play a role in" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "play a part" and "be a factor"?

"Play a part" suggests active involvement or influence, while "be a factor" simply indicates that something contributes to a situation without necessarily implying active participation. For example, "economic conditions "can be a factor" in election results".