small part in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small part in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor role or contribution in a larger context, such as a project, event, or performance. Example: "She played a small part in the community theater production, but her performance was memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I had a small part in that.

The New York Times

1981 Small part in Body Heat.

The Guardian - Film

Afterward playing small part in "Mare Nostrum".

The New Yorker

She even has a small part in it.

The Guardian - Film

The Eighth played a small part in the invasion.

The New York Times

Maybe I had a small part in creating the ultimate warrior.

The New York Times - Sports

I was privileged to play a small part in the affair.

The Guardian

A book, that thankfully, I was able to play a small part in promoting.

The Guardian - Books

There was another small part in an Irish soap opera, but not much else.

The New York Times - Arts

I was 17, in sixth form, and I had a small part in a play.

The Guardian

A small part in the 1997 film In and Out followed.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small part in" to downplay one's own contribution while still acknowledging involvement, especially in situations where humility is valued or boasting would be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "small part in" when the contribution was actually substantial. This can diminish the actual impact and may come across as disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small part in" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used adjectivally to describe the extent of one's involvement or contribution to something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, indicating a consistent grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small part in" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe one's involvement or contribution to something, often with the intention of downplaying its significance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, especially in news and media, formal business, and general conversational settings. While it's essential to use this phrase accurately and avoid overstating its impact, "small part in" remains a valuable tool for expressing modesty and providing context regarding one's level of participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor role in

Focuses on the insignificance of the role.

limited involvement in

Emphasizes the restricted degree of participation.

modest contribution to

Highlights the humility of the contribution.

peripheral role in

Indicates the role is on the edge, not central.

minor contribution to

Underscores the limited impact of the contribution.

bit part in

Colloquial term for a very small role, often in entertainment.

secondary role in

Signifies the role is less important than primary roles.

insignificant part in

Stresses the lack of importance of the part.

played a supporting role in

Specifies the supportive nature of the role.

token participation in

Suggests participation is merely symbolic.

FAQs

How can I use "small part in" in a sentence?

You can use "small part in" to describe a minor role or contribution. For example, "I played a "small part in" the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "small part in"?

Alternatives include "minor role in", "limited involvement in", or "modest contribution to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "small part in"?

It's appropriate when you want to downplay your involvement or when the contribution was genuinely minor compared to the overall effort. If you are looking for ways to minimize your involvement, you can also consider phrases like "I had a "peripheral role in"" or "I had "insignificant part in"".

What's the difference between "small part in" and "major role in"?

"Small part in" indicates minimal involvement or influence, while "major role in" signifies significant responsibility and impact. You can also use alternatives like "I played a "primary role in"" or "I played a "leading role in"" to emphasize the importance of your function.