substantial role

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial role" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important role that someone or something plays in a situation or event. Example: The new CEO played a substantial role in turning around the company's financial performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now she's back, but in a more substantial role.

The New Yorker

Inborn temperament, largely hereditary, also plays a substantial role.

The New York Times - Health

But secrecy plays a a substantial role at KFC.

The New York Times

"Facebook could have a substantial role in correcting those deficiencies".

The Guardian - Tech

She also had a subtle but substantial role in the civil rights movement.

The New York Times - Arts

It intends to play a more substantial role in Indiana, its leaders said.

The New York Times

This isn't all the result of gerrymandering, but it plays a substantial role.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his neoclassicist ballets, the legend of imperial Petersburg played a substantial role.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump is suggesting that the military can play a substantial role in enforcing border security.

The New York Times

And New York is playing a substantial role in the festivities.

The New York Times - Arts

These clusters are believed to play a substantial role in causing Alzheimer's.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial role" when you want to emphasize the significance and impact of someone or something in a specific context. It conveys a sense of importance and influence.

Common error

While "substantial role" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid overusing it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big part" or "important role" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial role" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes a significant or important part that someone or something plays in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

26%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial role" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significance or importance of a role or contribution. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for formal writing but can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that the phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", reflecting its suitability for serious and informative communication. While alternatives like "significant part" or "major factor" exist, "substantial role" effectively conveys a considerable degree of influence or impact. When writing, remember to use the phrase to highlight the magnitude of a role, and consider simpler alternatives for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant part

Replaces "role" with "part", emphasizing the contribution to a whole.

major factor

Focuses on the influence as a contributing element.

key component

Highlights the essential nature of the role.

important function

Substitutes "role" with "function", stressing the task or activity performed.

vital contribution

Emphasizes the crucial input provided.

prominent position

Highlights the visibility and influence of the role.

considerable influence

Shifts the focus to the power to affect something.

central aspect

Indicates that the role is a core element of something.

critical element

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the role.

integral part

Highlights that the role is essential and inseparable from the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial role" to describe a significant contribution or influence. For instance, "Technology plays a "substantial role" in modern education" or "She had a "substantial role" in the project's success".

What are some alternatives to "substantial role"?

Alternatives include "significant part", "major factor", "key component", or "important function". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant role" or "substantial role"?

Both "significant role" and "substantial role" are valid and often interchangeable. "Substantial" emphasizes the considerable amount or degree of influence, while "significant" highlights the importance or impact.

What is the difference between "playing a role" and "playing a substantial role"?

"Playing a role" simply indicates involvement, whereas "playing a "substantial role"" emphasizes the importance and magnitude of that involvement. The latter suggests a more significant contribution or impact.