play a substantial role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a substantial role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the importance or significance of someone's contribution or involvement in a particular situation or context. Example: "In the success of the project, the marketing team played a substantial role by effectively promoting our product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new Synergy Fitness Club, once open for business, will play a substantial role in revitalizing our downtown.

The New York Times

While avoiding specifics, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem of Turkey told American and French negotiators on Friday that his country would play a substantial role, participants said.

The New York Times

Madonna, while useful as a comparison, does not play a substantial role in the music that Ms. Halili and Mr. Hyseni perform.

The New York Times

Evaporative losses typically play a substantial role in the water balances of arid regions.

Journal of Hydrology

Intracellular fatty acid synthase (FASN) seems to play a substantial role in its pathogenesis.

Journal of Clinical Virology

These histologic changes may play a substantial role in the clinical efficacy of IDET.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

He believes that these diamonds will play a substantial role in the gems and jewelry business.

Forbes

These investigations recommend that facile tailorability of nanomaterials surfaces may play a substantial role in controlling their biological activities.

Nano Convergence

Ranking functions play a substantial role in the performance of information retrieval (IR) systems and search engines.

Information Processing & Management

According to the previous reports, the relative band positions in CuI/ZnO may play a substantial role in achieving high responsivity of photodetector.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Land use pattern along with changing climate play a substantial role in determining water supply ecosystem services in a landscape (Dale 1997).

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to replace "play" for greater impact. For example, instead of "play a substantial role", use "drive", "shape", or "influence" if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "play a substantial role" when the actual contribution is minor or insignificant. Ensure the described role truly warrants the adjective "substantial" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a substantial role" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action or contribution of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and correct in English. It expresses that something or someone has a significant influence or impact on a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "play a substantial role" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the significant influence or contribution of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the significance of the role is justified and supported by specific details. Consider alternatives like "have a major impact" or "contribute significantly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be central to

Indicates that something is of utmost importance.

be a key factor

Highlights the importance of being one of the elements to achieve a result.

contribute significantly

Focuses on the act of contributing and the degree of its importance.

be instrumental in

Highlights the essential role in bringing about a particular outcome.

have a major impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence rather than the direct involvement.

make a significant difference

Highlights the act of changing things for the better.

be a significant influence

Highlights the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

exert considerable influence

Stresses the power to affect something.

figure prominently

Suggests that something is easily noticeable and important.

bear great responsibility

Focuses on the importance and weight of the duties assumed.

FAQs

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

Use "play a substantial role" to describe something that has a significant impact or influence. For example, "Technology "plays a substantial role" in modern education".

What can I say instead of "play a substantial role"?

You can use alternatives like "have a major impact", "contribute significantly", or "be a key factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "play a substantial role" or "play an important role"?

Both phrases are correct, but "play a substantial role" emphasizes a greater degree of influence or significance compared to "play an important role".

What's the difference between "play a substantial role" and "play a decisive role"?

"Play a substantial role" suggests a significant contribution, while "play a decisive role" implies that the contribution directly determined the outcome. The former is less definitive.