playing a significant role

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are playing a significant role.

Independent

Britain is playing a significant role.

The Guardian

However, the dose response (as defined above) does suggest that diet is playing a significant role.

Harvard University

Nine embassy staff were arrested on Saturday accused of playing a significant role in the protests.

The Guardian

Sorgi's replacement, Matt Schabert, ended up playing a significant role in the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

It follows that changes in local authority behaviour must be playing a significant role".

The Guardian

Nevertheless, R. saw himself playing a significant role in the child's life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Babbitt credited his park tours with playing a significant role in President's Clinton's re-election.

The New York Times

Third Party Logistics (TPL) is playing a significant role in today's supply chain management.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Beside interfacial interactions, chemical and physical reactions in the polymer film are playing a significant role.

Polymer

Experts disagree on whether speculation is playing a significant role in the market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "playing a significant role", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is influencing or contributing to. Specificity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "playing a significant role" when the actual contribution is minor or negligible. Overstating the importance can diminish credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "playing a significant role" functions as a verbal phrase that typically modifies a noun or clause, indicating the importance or impact of a particular entity or action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "playing a significant role" is a versatile and widely used expression that effectively communicates the importance or influence of something within a given context. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternative phrases like "having a major impact" or "making a substantial contribution" exist, "playing a significant role" remains a clear and concise way to highlight the importance of a subject. It is important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the context supports the level of significance being attributed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a major impact

Highlights the degree of influence, suggesting a considerable effect on something.

making a substantial contribution

Emphasizes the positive impact and contribution made to a specific outcome or situation.

acting as a key factor

Highlights the phrase's importance as one of the main components determining the outcome.

exerting a considerable influence

Focuses on the act of applying influence, highlighting the active nature of the impact.

exerting a noteworthy effect

Emphasizes the visible effect and how the impact is hard to ignore.

assuming an important function

Highlights how the phrase has a relevant and critical function.

bearing considerable weight

Suggests that the phrase is a crucial determinant in a decision or outcome.

taking a central stage

Shows how something becomes the most important part in a scenario.

holding prominence

Highlights how the subject has a leading position in a certain field.

featuring prominently

Highlights the notable inclusion of a concept or element, underscoring its conspicuous presence and importance within a given context.

FAQs

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

Use "playing a significant role" to highlight the importance or influence of someone or something in a particular context. For example, "Technology is playing a significant role in modern education".

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

You can use alternatives like "having a major impact", "making a substantial contribution", or "exerting a considerable influence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "playing a significant role" or "playing a vital role"?

Both phrases are correct, but "playing a vital role" implies a contribution that is essential or necessary, while "playing a significant role" suggests importance without necessarily being indispensable.

Can "playing a significant role" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "playing a significant role" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly professional settings. However, the phrase is widely accepted and understandable in various settings.