played a major role

USAGE SUMMARY

"played a major role" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe someone or something's significant impact or contribution in a particular situation or event. Example: The team's star player played a major role in their victory, scoring three goals and leading the team to victory. Example: Technology has played a major role in the advancement of society, making tasks more efficient and accessible. Example: The support and guidance from my parents played a major role in my academic success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I assume CGI played a major role.

The New York Times

The defense played a major role.

The New York Times - Sports

But money also played a major role.

The New York Times

Law has played a major role in two distinct ways.

Harvard University

Joukowsky has played a major role in these developments.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

The guard has played a major role in that war.

The New York Times

The castle played a major role in toll collection.

Britannica

The SBS played a major role in the Afghanistan War.

Britannica

Chequeado played a major role in the latest Argentine election.

The Washington Post

This region has played a major role in Pennsylvania history.

Britannica

Tourism has played a major role in the economic revival.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "played a major role", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area or event in which the role was significant. Providing concrete examples strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "played a major role" without specifying how or why the subject was important. Overuse can dilute its impact; instead, be specific about the actions and consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "played a major role" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the performance of an action (playing a role) with significant impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used. Examples show it used across different subjects, from individuals to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "played a major role" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a significant contribution or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, as evidenced by its frequent appearance across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While grammatically sound, it's important to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and maximize its impact. Consider alternatives like "was instrumental" or "had a significant impact" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was instrumental

Emphasizes the essential nature of the contribution, implying that the outcome wouldn't have been possible without it.

had a significant impact

Focuses on the effect or influence exerted, rather than the direct action.

was a key factor

Highlights the importance of the element as one of several contributing to the outcome.

contributed significantly

Stresses the active contribution made, highlighting its importance.

was critical to

Indicates an essential contribution, where success depended on this element.

had a central part

Suggests a fundamental and indispensable role in the situation.

was a driving force

Emphasizes the proactive nature of the contribution, pushing events forward.

affected greatly

Highlights the extent of the influence, focusing on the magnitude of the effect.

exerted considerable influence

Focuses on the power and impact the subject had on the situation.

figured prominently

Indicates a noticeable and important presence in the event or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "played a major role" to emphasize someone or something's significant contribution to an event or outcome. For example, "Technology "played a major role" in the company's growth".

What can I say instead of "played a major role"?

You can use alternatives like "was instrumental", "had a significant impact", or "was a key factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "played a major role" or "had a major role"?

Both "played a major role" and "had a major role" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "played a major role" is more commonly used.

What's the difference between "played a major role" and "played a minor role"?

"Played a major role" indicates a significant contribution, while "played a minor role" suggests a less important or influential contribution.