she played a role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she played a role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's involvement or contribution in a particular situation, event, or performance. Example: "In the school play, she played a role that showcased her acting talents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Her sudden death last year badly shook the governor, and he said she played a role in his Medicaid decision.

The New York Times

She was so cut and bulky, that she played a role no woman had played before: She was an enforcer.

The Washington Post

Earlier this year, she played a role written for her in Andre Techine's still unreleased movie, "Terminus des Anges".

The New York Times

In late 2005, she played a role in a decision to destroy videotapes documenting the interrogation of the Qaeda operativesAbu ZubaydahandAbd al-Rahim al-Nashiriat the Thailand facility.

The New York Times

Another possible objection, for Democrats, is that she would have to recuse herself from all cases in which, as solicitor-general, she played a role.

The Economist

In 1935 she played a role in the English film Radio Parade and was part of the final sequence, shot in colour.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

She plays a role similar to that of Lady Macbeth, seeking to screw her husband Count Friedrich von Telramund's courage to the sticking place.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Jenkins's duties include administrative, communication and coordination tasks, and she plays a role in setting the committee's agenda, the company said.

The New York Times

While she and her husband Drew are childfree, she plays a role in her nephews' lives.

Forbes

Did she play a role in this?

HuffPost

Whether she felt that she herself played a role in the poor chemistry was not apparent.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she played a role" to clearly indicate a woman's involvement or contribution in a specific context. Ensure the sentence provides enough context to understand the nature and significance of the role.

Common error

Avoid using "she played a role" when the contribution was minimal or insignificant. Choose language that accurately reflects the level of impact, such as "she assisted" or "she was present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she played a role" functions as a declarative statement indicating a female subject's involvement or participation in an event, activity, or situation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she played a role" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a woman's involvement or contribution in a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is common, particularly in news and media, but also appears in wiki and science sources. While versatile, writers should aim for precision by providing enough context and avoiding overstatements about the significance of the role. Alternatives like "she contributed" or "she was involved" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was involved

Indicates participation or connection to an event or situation.

she took part

Simple and direct way of saying she participated.

she participated

Emphasizes the action of taking part in something.

she contributed

Focuses on the act of giving or adding something to an effort.

she made a contribution

Focuses on the positive impact of her involvement.

she was instrumental

Highlights the importance of her involvement.

she was a key player

Emphasizes her importance and influence in the situation.

she had a hand in it

Suggests a more direct or influential involvement.

she was significant

Highlights the importance or impact of her part.

she was a factor

Indicates her presence or actions influenced the outcome.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "she played a role"?

Saying "she played a role" means that a woman was involved in or contributed to a particular situation, event, or activity. The extent of her involvement can vary, ranging from minor participation to significant influence.

What can I say instead of "she played a role"?

You can use alternatives like "she contributed", "she was involved", or "she was instrumental" depending on the context.

How do I use "she played a role" in a sentence?

To use "she played a role" effectively, provide context to clarify the nature and significance of the role. For example, "She played a role in the negotiations, helping to bridge the gap between the two parties."

Is it appropriate to use "she played a role" in formal writing?

Yes, "she played a role" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a neutral and clear way to describe someone's involvement. However, consider using more precise language if you need to specify the exact nature or extent of her contribution.