play a role in

USAGE SUMMARY

"play a role in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the part a person or thing has in a particular activity or process. For example: "This new technology is expected to play a role in revolutionizing the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Genes do play a role in longevity.

The New York Times - Health

News organizations play a role in this.

The New York Times - Arts

They play a role in cellular interactions.

NeuroImmune Biology

This may play a role in the decreased activity.

Catalysis Today

Do librarians play a role in information literacy?

Princeton University

We all play a role in animal welfare.

Cornell University

Statistics play a role in all our lives.

Yale University

Discover how mirror neurons play a role in empathy.

University of California, Berkeley

Faulty glucose transporters play a role in diabetes.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They play a role in society".

Huffington Post

Implicit bias may sometimes play a role in these shootings.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the register when using "play a role in". While appropriate in most contexts, more formal settings may benefit from synonyms like "contribute to" or "be instrumental in".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the role. Use qualifying language (e.g., "play a minor role", "play a significant role") to accurately represent the degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a role in" functions as a verb phrase indicating participation or influence in a specific activity, process, or situation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across diverse subjects, from genetics and news reporting to cellular interactions and information literacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

25%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play a role in" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys the idea of involvement or influence in a variety of contexts, spanning academia, news media, and scientific research. Its neutral register allows for broad application, though careful consideration of synonyms may enhance formality in specific settings. The wide range of examples available through Ludwig highlights the phrase's adaptability and continued relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute to

Emphasizes the act of giving or supplying something to a common fund or cause.

be instrumental in

Indicates a crucial or essential role in bringing about a particular result.

factor into

Highlights the consideration of something as a relevant element in a decision or outcome.

be involved in

Indicates participation or engagement in an activity or event.

have a hand in

Suggests direct involvement or influence, often in a discreet or unacknowledged manner.

figure in

Implies inclusion or relevance in a particular situation or context.

participate in

Focuses on taking part in something, often as one of several contributors.

have an impact on

Emphasizes the effect or influence exerted on something.

influence

Directly indicates the power to affect someone or something.

affect

Similar to influence, but can also imply being acted upon or changed by something.

FAQs

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

Use "play a role in" to indicate that someone or something has an effect or influence on a particular situation or outcome. For example, "Technology "plays a role in" modern education".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "contribute to", "be instrumental in", or "have an impact on".

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Play a role in" suggests a more active involvement, while "have a role in" can imply a more passive or assigned responsibility.

Can "play a role in" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "play a role in" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "be instrumental in".