played a central role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "played a central role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has been crucial or fundamental in a particular situation or event. Example: "The scientist played a central role in the development of the new vaccine, leading the research team through critical phases of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yo-yos have played a central role in Hattori's life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nevertheless, migration has played a central role in the campaign.

The Guardian

Alcohol played a central role in Daleiden's project.

The Washington Post

Trade has played a central role in Trump's campaign.

The New Yorker

They say Mr. Harris played a central role.

The New York Times

Body image has played a central role in Spall's career.

The Guardian - Film

Derivatives played a central role in the 2008 financial crisis.

The New York Times

He played a central role in drafting this week's document.

The Economist

Ahmed played a central role in the feud.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lotus played a central role in popularizing the product.

The New York Times - Food

He also played a central role in Fleet's own expansion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "played a central role", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the role was and why it was important. Providing specific details enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "played a central role" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "was instrumental" or "was a key factor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "played a central role" functions as a verbal phrase that highlights the significance and influence of a person, object, or concept within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "played a central role" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance or influence of someone or something in a given situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific domains. While its usage is generally correct, be mindful of overusing it and consider using synonyms like "was instrumental" or "was a key factor" to enhance clarity and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was instrumental

This alternative highlights the crucial assistance provided by someone or something.

was a key factor

This phrase emphasizes the significant contribution to an outcome.

was crucial

This alternative underscores the indispensable nature of the contribution.

was pivotal

This suggests a turning point or critical influence.

was paramount

This alternative indicates supreme importance or dominance.

was significant

This highlights the importance of the role.

was critical

Highlights the indispensable nature of something.

was a major influence

This emphasizes the considerable impact on something.

figured prominently

Suggests noticeable or conspicuous participation.

was at the forefront

This alternative suggests being in a leading or highly visible position.

FAQs

How can I use "played a central role" in a sentence?

You can use "played a central role" to emphasize the importance or influence of someone or something in a specific event or situation. For example, "Technology played a central role in the company's rapid growth".

What are some alternatives to "played a central role"?

Alternatives include "was instrumental", "was a key factor", or "was pivotal". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "played a central role" or "had a central role"?

"Played a central role" is generally preferred to "had a central role" because it suggests active participation and influence, whereas "had a central role" is less common and can sound awkward.

What is the difference between "played a central role" and "played an important role"?

"Played a central role" emphasizes that the role was fundamental and essential, whereas "played an important role" simply indicates that the role was significant but perhaps not absolutely crucial.