principal role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the main or most important function or position that someone holds in a particular context, such as a job or a project. Example: "In the upcoming production, she will take on the principal role of the lead character, showcasing her acting talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pollock's principal role remains, however, unassailable.

The Guardian - Arts

It is her first principal role on Broadway.

The New York Times

In 1989 Parton played a principal role in Steel Magnolias.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principal role of the FBI is domestic counterintelligence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the head didn't apply for the principal role, I applied and I got it.

The Guardian

His crooning lacked the jazz underpinnings and richness of his principal role model, Bing Crosby.

The New York Times - Arts

Government's principal role was to maintain a "sound and stable currency" through upholding the gold standard.

The Guardian

Also, Lluís Homar's charm in the principal role is of the blockish, unremarkable variety.

The New Yorker

The assembly's principal role will be to create a draft constitution, due by August 15 , 2005

The New York Times

Nowadays, most Broadway understudies hope to move up to the principal role.

The New York Times

But his principal role in life was as a defender of Jimmy Carter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal role", ensure the context clearly defines the specific area or situation to which the role applies. For example, specify whether you're discussing a role in a project, organization, or ecosystem.

Common error

A common mistake is using "principle" (a fundamental truth or proposition) instead of "principal" (main or most important). Remember that "principal" in "principal role" refers to the main role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal role" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing a key function or responsibility within a specific context, such as in organizations, projects, or biological processes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "principal role" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes the main or most important function or responsibility. As shown by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability. Remember to use "principal", not "principle", and ensure the context clearly defines the area to which the role applies. The phrase's versatility is underscored by its numerous alternatives, such as "main responsibility" and "key function", each offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main responsibility

Focuses on the key duty or obligation.

key function

Highlights the essential activity or operation.

chief duty

Emphasizes the most important task or obligation.

primary responsibility

Stresses the foremost obligation.

central task

Underlines the core activity to be performed.

major undertaking

Focuses on the significant project or endeavor.

essential purpose

Highlights the fundamental reason for existence or action.

core objective

Emphasizes the central goal to be achieved.

leading responsibility

Highlights the role with the most influence or importance.

most important function

Directly states the function with the highest priority.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal role" to describe the main function or responsibility of someone or something. For example: "The principal role of a teacher is to educate students."

What are some alternatives to "principal role"?

Alternatives include "primary role", "main role", or key function, depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "principle role" instead of "principal role"?

No, "principle role" is incorrect. The correct term is "principal role", where "principal" means main or most important.

What is the difference between "principal role" and "supporting role"?

"Principal role" refers to the main or most important function, while "supporting role" refers to a secondary or less significant function that assists the principal one.