playing a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "playing a key role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to say that someone or something is performing a very important, often essential, responsibility or duty. For example, "In this project, my team leader is playing a key role in ensuring its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Turkey is also playing a key role.

The Guardian

"He might wind up playing a key role".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role.

The New York Times

Wornham is not the only newcomer playing a key role in Princeton's passing game.

Princeton University

The office is playing a key role in Stanford's yearlong OpenXChange initiative.

Stanford University

And energy is playing a key role in geopolitical crises like the Russia and Ukraine conflict.

Columbia University

It also is playing a key role in Columbia's new Institute for Data Sciences and Engineering.

Columbia University

With increased competition, efficiency is playing a key role in cost reductions and creating competitive advantage.

Corporate Environmental Strategy

Wetlands are an important C sink, playing a key role in climate regulation.

Ecological Engineering

They are playing a key role as active components in many branches of engineering and technology.

Procedia Materials Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Health Ministry has played a key role.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "playing a key role", ensure the context clearly defines what is being influenced or affected. Be specific about the impact or outcome resulting from this role.

Common error

Avoid using "playing a key role" when the contribution is minor or insignificant. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "playing a key role" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of someone or something having a significant impact or influence. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains showcasing its use. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating its importance in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "playing a key role" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the significant impact or influence of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, academia, and business. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, ensure clarity and avoid overstating importance. Consider alternatives like "being instrumental" or "making a significant contribution" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming a crucial function

Highlights the responsibility and importance of the role.

being instrumental

Emphasizes the essential nature of the contribution.

making a significant contribution

Highlights the act of contributing and its importance.

having a major impact

Focuses on the effect rather than the action of contributing.

serving a vital purpose

Emphasizes the necessity of the role in achieving an objective.

taking a leading part

Suggests a more active and visible involvement.

being a primary driver

Indicates a causal role in propelling something forward.

acting as a major factor

Positions the subject as one of the determinants.

exerting a strong influence

Focuses on the power to affect something.

performing an essential duty

Highlights the obligatory and important nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "playing a key role" in a sentence?

Use "playing a key role" to emphasize someone or something's significant involvement or influence in a particular situation. For instance, "Technology is "playing a key role" in combating the outbreak of infectious diseases."

What are some alternatives to "playing a key role"?

You can use alternatives such as "being instrumental", "having a major impact", or "making a significant contribution" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "playing a key role" in formal writing?

Yes, "playing a key role" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe significant contributions or influences, as demonstrated by its use in academic and business contexts.

What's the difference between "playing a key role" and "playing a crucial role"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "playing a crucial role" often implies that the role is absolutely essential for success or survival, whereas "playing a key role" suggests significant, but perhaps not absolutely vital, importance.