plays a role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plays a role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the function or purpose of something. For example, "Rainforests play an important role in regulating the global climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

History plays a role.

The Economist

Everything plays a role".

The New York Times - Arts

Vacillation plays a role.

The Economist

Luck plays a role.

The New Yorker

Philosophy plays a role, too.

The New York Times

Necessity, famously, plays a role.

The Economist

Age also plays a role.

The New York Times

But it plays a role.

The Economist

Teaching plays a role, too.

The Economist

Age plays a role too.

The Economist

Regulation also plays a role.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plays a role", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being influenced or affected. Be specific about the nature and extent of the role being played for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "plays a role" when the actual influence is negligible. Choose stronger verbs or more precise nouns if the contribution is substantial, or adjust the language to reflect a minor impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plays a role" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something has an influence or effect on a particular situation or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plays a role" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates influence or contribution. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic writing, its neutral register makes it adaptable for both formal and informal communication. When using "plays a role", clarity is key – ensure the sentence clearly specifies what is being influenced. Alternatives such as "contributes to" or "is a factor in" can be used to vary your language while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a factor in

Presents the subject as one of several elements influencing a situation.

contributes to

Focuses on the act of contributing to a larger outcome or process.

is instrumental in

Highlights the essential or crucial nature of the contribution.

is significant in

Highlights the importance or consequence of something's involvement.

has an impact on

Emphasizes the effect or influence exerted on something.

figures into

Suggests that something is a component or consideration in a particular context or calculation.

influences

Indicates a less direct or forceful effect than "affects".

participates in

Emphasizes active involvement in a process or activity.

affects

Directly states that something has an effect on something else.

is part of

Suggests that something is one element in a group of things.

FAQs

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

Use "plays a role" to indicate that something has an influence or effect on a particular situation or outcome. For example, "Education plays a role in reducing poverty".

What can I say instead of "plays a role"?

You can use alternatives like "contributes to", "is a factor in", or "has an impact on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "plays a role" or "has a role"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Plays a role" emphasizes the active influence or function, while "has a role" simply indicates that something has a part to play.

What's the difference between "plays a role" and "is instrumental in"?

"Plays a role" suggests a general influence, whereas "is instrumental in" indicates that something is crucial or essential for achieving a particular outcome.