plays a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

"plays a key role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is crucial or essential to a particular process, goal, or task. For example: "The human resources team plays a key role in resolving employee disputes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everybody plays a key role.

The New York Times - Sports

The refrigerator plays a key role.

The New York Times

It plays a key role in causing the disease.

The New York Times - Science

In some work, sound plays a key role.

The New York Times - Arts

Queensland plays a key role in every federal election.

The Guardian

Energy plays a key role in chemical processes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In all this, credit plays a key role.

The Economist

Canada plays a key role for Salesforce in its business.

TechCrunch

Usually time delay plays a key role in many systems.

Advances in Difference Equations

Reservoir fluid composition plays a key role in properties' calculations.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Convexity plays a key role in optimization theory.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plays a key role", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being influenced or affected. Providing specific details strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "plays a key role" when the element's contribution is minor or secondary. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plays a key role" functions as a predicate in a sentence, emphasizing the significance or importance of a subject. It indicates that the subject has a crucial influence or effect on a particular process, outcome, or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plays a key role" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's widely used in various contexts, especially in scientific and news-related content, to highlight essential elements. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Synonyms like "is "instrumental"" or "is "crucial in"" can add nuance depending on the context. Using this phrase effectively enhances clarity and strengthens the emphasis on the subject's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is vital for

Stresses the necessity of something for the survival, success, or proper functioning of something else.

is critical to

Indicates the crucial importance of something, suggesting that its absence would lead to failure.

is essential for

Highlights the indispensable nature of something, suggesting that it's absolutely necessary.

is crucial in

Highlights that something is extremely important or necessary, especially in deciding the success or failure of something.

is central to

Emphasizes the importance of something as a focal point around which other elements revolve.

is fundamental to

Underlines the foundational aspect of something, emphasizing its role as a basic element.

is instrumental

Focuses on the essential nature of the contribution, emphasizing its direct impact on achieving a desired outcome.

is paramount

Elevates the importance of something above all else, signifying its supreme significance.

is a major factor

Highlights the significant influence of something without necessarily implying it's the most important element.

is significant in

Indicates that something has considerable importance or effect, without necessarily being decisive.

FAQs

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

Use "plays a key role" to emphasize the importance of something in achieving a specific outcome. For example, "Teamwork "plays a key role" in project success."

What's a more formal way to say "plays a key role"?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "is "instrumental"", "is "essential for"", or "is "critical to"" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What are some synonyms for "plays a key role"?

Synonyms include "is a "major factor"", "is "vital for"", and "is "fundamental to"". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "plays a key role" in academic writing?

Yes, "plays a key role" is appropriate for academic writing. It's a clear and concise way to highlight the importance of a particular element or factor. Be sure to provide evidence to support your claim.