play a unique role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play a unique role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the distinct or special function that someone or something has in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the development of renewable energy technologies, solar panels play a unique role in harnessing sunlight for electricity generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Newspapers play a unique role in society.

The Guardian

The polygonal loops play a unique role in avoiding blocking.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

Coastal wetlands play a unique role in extreme hurricane events.

Coastal Engineering

Photo-oxidation or phototransformation of trace organics can play a unique role in water purification.

Chemical Engineering Science

"Pubs play a unique role in offering a social environment to enjoy a drink with friends.

The Guardian - Business

In this area the biopharmaceutical industry can and should play a unique role.

The New York Times

BME housing associations play a unique role in housing BME communities and providing neighbourhood services".

The Guardian

The Economist: The other bit where it could play a unique role is security.

The Economist

Widowed at only 51, the Queen Mother went on to play a unique role in British public life.

The Guardian

Are tabloids just one voice in a larger media babble, or do they play a unique role in setting the agenda for other journalists, such as broadcasters?

The Guardian

Here, the EU special representative for human rights could play a unique role of an emissary to talk to various branches of Iran's administration including the judiciary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically or professionally, be specific about the nature of the unique role. Instead of simply stating that something "plays a unique role", explain how it does so and what makes it different from other contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "play a unique role" as filler. This phrase can lose its impact if overused or if the unique contribution is not clearly defined. Ensure you provide specific details that support the claim of uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play a unique role" functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing the distinct and essential function or contribution of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its established place in English grammar. Examples from Ludwig show it applied to diverse entities, from coastal wetlands to BME housing associations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

43%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play a unique role" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as Ludwig AI confirms, to underscore the distinct and essential contribution of an entity. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, this phrase effectively conveys the irreplaceable function something or someone fulfills. While suitable for various registers, it's best applied when emphasizing the specific and unmatched nature of a contribution. To enhance writing, ensure the uniqueness is substantiated with specific details, avoiding overuse for general significance. Alternatives like "serve a distinct purpose" and "fulfill a special function" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve a distinct purpose

Emphasizes the function or aim being fulfilled, highlighting its clarity and definition.

fulfill a special function

Focuses on the act of completing or achieving a particular task or duty that is out of the ordinary.

make a singular contribution

Highlights the act of providing something remarkable, emphasizing its unmatched and distinct nature.

offer an exclusive input

Highlights the act of contributing with something that no one else can.

bring a particular value

Highlights how something that bring can be more helpful or important.

have a characteristic effect

Highlights the outcome that the unique action produces.

accomplish a notable task

Highlights the action of achieving a purpose that is remarkable.

conduct a remarkable action

Highlights the action of performing a procedure that attracts attention or is easily noticeable.

exert a distinctive influence

Highlights the capability to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something in a peculiar way.

exercise an exceptional impact

Highlights the use of power to do something in a positive and not ordinary way.

FAQs

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

Use "play a unique role" to emphasize the distinctive and irreplaceable contribution of someone or something. For instance, "Community leaders "play a unique role" in fostering local development".

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

Alternatives include "serve a distinct purpose", "fulfill a special function", or "make a singular contribution". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "play a unique role" or "play a specific role"?

"Play a unique role" emphasizes distinctiveness and irreplacability. "Play a specific role" focuses on a defined function. Use "play a unique role" when something's contribution is particularly special; use "play a specific role" when highlighting a well-defined function.

What's the difference between "play a significant role" and "play a unique role"?

"Play a significant role" indicates importance, while "play a unique role" highlights distinctiveness and irreplacability. Something significant is important, but not necessarily unique. Something unique is inherently distinct.