plays a significant role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'plays a significant role' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to an action or entity that contributes significantly to a given situation or context. For example, "Technology plays a significant role in the way we communicate today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luck plays a significant role.

The New Yorker

Needlework actually plays a significant role here.

The New York Times - Arts

Also contract duration plays a significant role.

Ecological Economics

Emotion plays a significant role in schizophrenia.

Comprehensive Psychiatry

Therefore, mechanical bonding plays a significant role in adhesion.

Cornell University

Chance plays a significant role in Jo Smail's recent work.

The New York Times

Writing plays a significant role in your photography.

The New Yorker

Fashion plays a significant role in the show.

The New York Times - Style

Continental flow plays a significant role in the global ecosystem.

Journal of Hydrology

GPL distribution plays a significant role in the buckling.

Composite Structures

Transformation plays a significant role in solving hydrological problems.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plays a significant role" to emphasize the importance of a factor without necessarily claiming it is the sole determinant. It acknowledges contribution without overstating influence.

Common error

Avoid using "plays a significant role" when the element's impact is minor or negligible. Overstating the importance weakens your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plays a significant role" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the degree of importance or influence something has on a particular outcome, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plays a significant role" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to highlight the importance of an element within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As the examples from Ludwig illustrate, it is commonly found in academic, scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its versatility and broad applicability.

While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, it's important to avoid overstating the significance of the element in question. Related phrases such as "is a major factor" or "has a substantial impact" can offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively leverage "plays a significant role" to enhance clarity and impact in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a major factor

Focuses on the idea of being one of the primary components influencing a situation.

is a key contributor

Highlights the aspect of contributing to a specific outcome or result.

has a substantial impact

Emphasizes the effect or consequence of something on a particular situation.

exerts considerable influence

Focuses on the power or ability to affect someone or something.

is instrumental in

Highlights the essential role in achieving a particular goal or outcome.

is crucial for

Emphasizes the critical importance of something for a specific purpose.

figures prominently in

Highlights the notable or conspicuous presence in a particular context.

is central to

Highlights the idea of being essential or fundamental to something.

affects significantly

Focuses on the action of causing a noticeable change or impact.

is a driving force

Emphasizes the causal aspect of pushing forward an activity or project.

FAQs

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

Use "plays a significant role" to highlight the importance of something in a particular context. For example, "Education "plays a significant role" in personal development".

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

You can use alternatives like "is a major factor", "is a key contributor", or "has a substantial impact" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "plays an important role" instead of "plays a significant role"?

Yes, "plays an important role" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. However, ""plays a significant role"" emphasizes a greater degree of importance.

What is the difference between "plays a significant role" and "is the main factor"?

"Plays a significant role" suggests that something is important but not necessarily the most important. "Is the main factor" indicates that something is the primary cause or influence.