play a role

USAGE SUMMARY

"play a role" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate taking part in an activity or performing a task. For example, "I'm excited to play a role in this challenging project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finances also play a role.

The New York Times

Demographics also play a role.

The New York Times - Sports

Politics play a role too.

The Economist

Did discrimination play a role?

The New York Times

Expectations, too, play a role.

The New Yorker

Social aspects play a role.

The New York Times

Politics also play a role.

The New York Times

Computers still play a role.

The New York Times

Could he play a role?

The New York Times

Genes play a role.

Harvard University

Or does my age play a role?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the role being played is clearly defined to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Technology plays a role", specify what role technology plays, such as "Technology plays a crucial role in data analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "play a role" without clearly defining the nature and extent of the role. Vague statements like "Emotions play a role" can be strengthened by specifying the emotional aspect and its impact: "Negative emotions play a significant role in hindering productivity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a role" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something or someone has an effect or influence in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play a role" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating participation or influence in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various domains. The phrase's usage spans from formal academic and scientific writing to more informal news and media outlets. When employing "play a role", ensure clarity by specifying the nature and extent of the role to enhance communication effectiveness. Related phrases such as "contribute to" or "be instrumental in" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute to

Focuses on the act of providing something that helps to achieve a result.

be instrumental in

Emphasizes the importance and essential nature of the contribution.

have a hand in

Suggests a level of involvement or influence, often in a more informal context.

be a factor in

Highlights that something is one of several things that influence a result.

participate in

Indicates taking part in an activity or event.

be involved in

Describes being connected or engaged with something.

take part in

Similar to participate, but can also imply a smaller or less significant contribution.

have an impact on

Focuses on the effect that something has.

exert influence on

Stresses the act of using power to affect something.

figure in

Highlights the inclusion of something as a relevant element.

FAQs

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

Use "play a role" to indicate that something or someone has an effect or influence on a particular situation or outcome. For example: "Education "plays a vital role" in societal development."

What are some alternatives to "play a role"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "contribute to", "be instrumental in", or "have an impact on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "play a role" or "have a role"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "play a role" suggests active involvement or influence, whereas "have a role" simply indicates possession of a role. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context. Using "play an important role" typically conveys more action.

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

"Play a role" indicates active participation or influence, while "be a factor" simply suggests that something is one of several elements that contribute to an outcome. "Play a role" often implies more significance than "be a factor".