playing a very important role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "playing a very important role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the significance of someone's or something's contribution in a particular context or situation. Example: "In the success of the project, teamwork is playing a very important role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Ahmed Wali Khan was playing a very important role for Karzai in the south.

The New York Times

It is not completely fronted by international companies and national development banks are playing a very important role".

The Guardian

"I realized I was playing a very important role in keeping people on track and the executives involved appreciate that that's what I was doing," she says.

Harvard Business Review

The church is playing a very important role in Cuba as a shield as it moves ahead in this important transition [of having established ties with the US]," says Austen Ivereigh, the papal biographer.

The Guardian

To take a single example: it is very easy to imagine someone like this playing a very important role in establishing lasting and committed links between western businesses and Bangladeshi manufacturers in the wake of the tragic factory collapses.

Independent

Several natural or synthetic polymers have been used to synthesize nanosized structures and, among them, β-cyclodextrin (βCD) polymers are playing a very important role in drug formulation by virtue of the ability of βCD to form inclusion compounds with a wide range of solid and liquid molecules by molecular complexation.

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He played a very important role.

The Economist

"Goal difference could play a very important role".

The New York Times - Sports

He played a very important role in my life".

The New Yorker

It plays a very important role in public opinion".

The New York Times

That's where design can play a very important role".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "serving a crucial function" or "being instrumental in" to add gravitas to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "playing a very important role" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "playing a very important role" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by attributing a significant level of importance or influence. It is used to highlight the essential contribution of something, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "playing a very important role" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the significance and impact of someone or something in a specific context. Ludwig shows examples across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, affirming its versatile usage. While the phrase is effective, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "serving a crucial function" or "having a significant impact" to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving a crucial function

Emphasizes the necessity and criticality of the role.

having a significant impact

Focuses on the effect or outcome resulting from the role.

contributing substantially

Highlights the magnitude of the contribution made.

being instrumental in

Indicates a key part in facilitating a particular result.

exerting considerable influence

Stresses the power and effect of the role.

making a vital contribution

Underscores the necessity and importance of the contribution.

performing a key function

Highlights that it is an action, a function performed.

holding a pivotal position

Focuses on the central and critical nature of the role.

taking a leading role

Shows it is the person that guide an important action.

greatly influencing

Emphasizes the strong effect or sway exerted.

FAQs

How can I use "playing a very important role" in a sentence?

Use "playing a very important role" to emphasize the significant contribution or impact of someone or something. For example, "Technology is "playing a very important role" in modern education".

What are some alternatives to "playing a very important role"?

Alternatives include "serving a crucial function", "having a significant impact", or "being instrumental in depending on the context".

Is it better to say "play an important role" or "play a very important role"?

"Play an important role" is acceptable, but ""playing a very important role"" emphasizes the significance of the role even more.

What's the difference between "playing an important role" and "playing a leading role"?

"Playing an important role" simply means contributing significantly, while "playing a leading role" implies taking a primary and directive position in a particular activity or situation.