play a primary role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a primary role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize the importance of a particular role in a given context. For example, "As the team captain, Amy plays a primary role in leading her teammates to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Environmental concerns must play a primary role.

The New York Times

China would "allow the market to play a primary role in allocation of resources," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Morrison says America's oil interests in Angola do not play a primary role in policy making.

The New York Times

"A lot of these materials you don't really see, but they play a primary role in terms of function".

The New York Times

The company did, after all, play a primary role in turning expensive content into a free commodity.

The New York Times

One's religious/spiritual orientation appears to play a primary role in one's standing on evolutionary theory.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Peritoneal mesothelial cells play a primary role in the abdominal defence system.

Gynecological Surgery

This observation may indicate that tectonic control here did not play a primary role in shaping the caldera.

Earth, Planets and Space

The quiescent cells in human body may play a primary role in mounting response to exogenous stimuli.

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators

Mediating variables now play a primary role in the evaluation of experimental health promotion and disease prevention programs.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

The experiments demonstrate how gradients in horizontal stress play a primary role in scaling the bed shear stress of glaciers.

Geomorphology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "play a primary role", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of the specific actions or responsibilities involved in that role. This adds clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of a role by using "play a primary role" when it is only secondary or supportive. Ensure the role genuinely holds significant influence and responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a primary role" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone or something has a significant and leading part in a particular activity or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes the importance of that role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “play a primary role” is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies significant importance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, it emphasizes the crucial contribution of an entity in achieving a specific outcome. When using “play a primary role”, clarity is key; be sure to specify the actions or responsibilities tied to the role. Alternatives include "have a central function" or "act as a key component". This phrase is versatile and appropriate for highlighting importance across diverse subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a central function

This alternative focuses on the core function rather than the importance of the role.

act as a key component

This suggests being an essential part of something, similar to "play a primary role".

serve a pivotal purpose

Emphasizes the critical nature of the purpose served.

be instrumental in

Focuses on being helpful and crucial in achieving a particular outcome.

hold a leading position

This highlights a position of leadership or importance.

exert a major influence

Highlights the power and impact exerted.

take the helm

Suggests assuming control or leadership.

be at the forefront

This implies being in a leading or prominent position.

assume a dominant part

This indicates taking on a commanding or controlling part.

carry significant weight

This indicates having considerable importance or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "play a primary role" to highlight the importance of someone or something in a particular context. For example, "Technology "plays a primary role" in modern education".

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

Alternatives include "have a central function", "act as a key component", or "serve a pivotal purpose" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "play a primary role" or "play a significant role"?

"Play a primary role" emphasizes a more crucial and fundamental part, while "play a significant role" indicates considerable but not necessarily the most important involvement. The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "play a primary role" most appropriate?

The phrase is suitable in contexts where something or someone has a leading or crucial function, such as in scientific research, policy-making, or organizational management.