played a pivotal role in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "played a pivotal role in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's significant contribution or influence in a particular situation or event. Example: "She played a pivotal role in the success of the project, ensuring that all team members were aligned and motivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Special teams played a pivotal role in the Miami rally.

The New York Times - Sports

Local activists have played a pivotal role in these changes.

The Guardian

The BAL played a pivotal role in manifesting this ideology.

The Guardian - Sport

Melo played a pivotal role in the burst.

The New York Times - Sports

Stralman, though, played a pivotal role in the winning shot.

The New York Times - Sports

MINING played a pivotal role in British history.

The Economist

Leslie, as expected, has played a pivotal role in the resurgence.

The New York Times - Sports

She and Luddy played a pivotal role in the growth of the Museum's Judaica Department.

The New York Times

Anderson played a pivotal role in Vargas's demise, driving in four and scoring twice.

The New York Times - Sports

"The United States has always played a pivotal role in Mideast diplomacy.

The New York Times

"Both drivers have played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Williams," said Frank Williams.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "played a pivotal role in" to highlight someone or something's significant impact on an event, project, or process. This phrase adds weight and importance to the contribution you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "played a pivotal role in" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase is better suited for formal or professional settings where a more serious tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "played a pivotal role in" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the significance of someone or something's contribution to a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used, highlighting its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "played a pivotal role in" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to highlight the significant contribution of someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to news reporting. While highly versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a strong emphasis on the importance of a contribution is desired. Alternatives such as "was instrumental in" or "was crucial to" can be used to convey similar meanings. The analysis demonstrates that "played a pivotal role in" is prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts, emphasizing its importance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was instrumental in

This alternative highlights the essential nature of the contribution.

was crucial to

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the role.

was essential for

Highlights the indispensable nature of the role.

was key to

Focuses on the role as a critical element for success.

was significant in

Emphasizes the notable impact of the contribution.

was central to

Highlights the position of importance of the contribution.

was critical for

Stresses the importance of the role in achieving a specific outcome.

had a determining influence on

This suggests that the role directly shaped the outcome.

contributed significantly to

Focuses on the substantial contribution made.

was a driving force behind

Highlights the energetic and influential nature of the role.

FAQs

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

Use "played a pivotal role in" to emphasize the significant contribution of someone or something to an event, process, or project. For example: "She "played a pivotal role in" the success of the campaign".

What are some alternatives to "played a pivotal role in"?

You can use alternatives like "was instrumental in", "was crucial to", or "was essential for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the contribution.

Is it better to say "played a pivotal role in" or "played an important role in"?

"Played a pivotal role in" emphasizes a greater level of influence and significance than "played an important role in". "Pivotal" suggests the role was crucial or decisive.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "played a pivotal role in"?

It's appropriate to use "played a pivotal role in" when you want to highlight the critical and indispensable nature of someone's or something's contribution to a particular outcome. It adds emphasis and formality to your writing.