playing a major role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "playing a major role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has significant influence or importance in a particular situation or context. Example: "The new marketing strategy is playing a major role in increasing our sales this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"These amenities are playing a major role in that decision.

The New York Times

Planted forests are certainly playing a major role.

Independent

"The cat is a playing a major role here," Booth went on.

The New Yorker

Faith is playing a major role in the level of activity.

The New York Times

The Chinese government is playing a major role in the overall driverless market.

The New York Times - Tech

Cultural progress was striking, with the reconstituted and enlarged University of Kraków playing a major role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here theoretical methods are playing a major role in the field of microporous materials.

Catalysis Today

Thus, noninvasive imaging is playing a major role in understanding nicotine dependency [14, 15].

EJNMMI Research

Coal will continue playing a major role in worldwide electricity generation during next years.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Xylanase belongs to, Glycoside hydrolase family, playing a major role in xylan degradation.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

For decades, the satellite has been playing a major role in supporting IoT development.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "playing a major role", ensure that the context clearly establishes the area of influence. Avoid vagueness by specifying the domain in which the role is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "playing a major role" when the actual influence is minor or indirect. Use more precise language to reflect the true extent of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "playing a major role" functions as a verb phrase indicating the importance or significance of someone or something in a particular situation. It highlights the active participation and substantial impact, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "playing a major role" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant influence or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable across various domains, especially in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives exist to refine the nuance, this phrase remains a clear and effective way to highlight the substantial impact of a person, factor, or element. To prevent any vagueness or overstatement, ensure you provide enough context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing a key role

Replaces 'major' with 'key', implying essential but not necessarily dominant influence.

playing a significant part

Substitutes 'role' with 'part', suggesting a contribution rather than a defined function.

being a driving force

Replaces the verb with 'being', emphasizing influence as a causal factor.

having a central function

Changes the verb to 'having', focusing on the inherent purpose or activity.

exerting a strong influence

Shifts from direct participation to the act of wielding power or persuasion.

contributing significantly

Focuses on the act of providing a noticeable addition or input.

bearing great importance

Emphasizes the inherent value or consequence of something.

serving a pivotal purpose

Highlights the crucial and decisive nature of the function.

taking a leading position

Indicates assuming a dominant or guiding presence.

acting as a primary agent

Highlights the active role and direct involvement in causing an effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "playing a major role" to describe something that has significant influence or importance in a particular situation or context. For example, "The new technology is playing a major role in improving efficiency."

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

You can use alternatives like "playing a key role", "playing a significant part", or "being a driving force" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "playing a major role"?

While "playing a role" already implies participation, adding "major" emphasizes the significance of that role. Whether it's redundant depends on the context; sometimes, the emphasis is necessary for clarity.

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

"Playing a major role" indicates a substantial influence or importance, while "playing a minor role" suggests a less significant contribution or influence.