this played a key role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this played a key role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was significant or influential in a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The new marketing strategy was implemented, and this played a key role in increasing our sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This played a key role in Stewart being placed with Zahid Mubarek because it was the only bed available.

The Guardian

Many believe this played a key role in him being picked for the job.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Researchers think this plays a key role in comprehension.

The Washington Post

This plays a key role in enabling efficient delivery of drugs to the lungs.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

This plays a key role in obtaining the existence of a nontrivial weak solution for the given problem.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

This plays a key role in financing as well, as state-owned banks determine which deals get financing and tend to favor those in which the government back.

Forbes

The molecular targets of tranilast in cancer have been unknown, but here we demonstrate it is an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist and this plays a key role.

Plosone

This plays a key role in colour development in grape skin, distinguishing white and red grapes [ 31, 32].

BMC Plant Biology

This plays a key role in the organization of the epithelium because the Baz domain defines the position of the AJ (Harris and Peifer, 2005).

Cell

And Chase, outstanding for Cas this season, played a key role in the Exiles' victory over England in June.

BBC

Each side of this equation played a key role in defining the Enlightenment philosophie that Voltaire came to personify.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this played a key role", ensure that the connection between "this" and its impact is clear to the reader. Provide specific details to illustrate how it influenced the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "this played a key role" without clearly defining what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken your argument. Ensure your reader understands the antecedent of "this" without needing to guess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this played a key role" functions as a connective element that ascribes significance to a preceding event, action, or condition. It asserts that the identified element was instrumental in bringing about a subsequent outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this played a key role" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that highlights the significance of something in influencing an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While relatively rare, its usage spans both scientific and news contexts. To ensure clarity, always define the antecedent of "this" and provide specific details to support the assertion. Consider alternatives like "this was instrumental" or "this was crucial" for varied expression. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively use this phrase to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was instrumental

Emphasizes the importance of something as a tool or means to achieve a result; suggests active contribution.

this was crucial

Highlights the essential nature of something; implies that success depended on it.

this was significant

Highlights the importance or noteworthiness of something.

this was pivotal

Indicates that something served as a turning point.

this was central

Positions something as being at the core or heart of a matter.

this was fundamental

Stresses the basic or foundational nature of something.

this was vital

Highlights the necessity of something for survival or success.

this was essential

Emphasizes the indispensability of something.

this greatly influenced

Focuses on the impact something had, rather than its specific role.

this had a major impact

Emphasizes the degree of influence something exerted.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this played a key role" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "this was instrumental", "this was crucial", or "this was pivotal". These options offer a heightened sense of importance and suitability for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "this played a key role" and "this was a contributing factor"?

While both indicate influence, "this played a key role" suggests a more significant impact than "this was a contributing factor". The former implies a major influence, while the latter suggests a smaller, shared responsibility. See also: "this was a contributing factor".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "this played a key role"?

It's suitable when you want to emphasize the significant influence of a specific element on a particular outcome. This phrase is useful in reports, analyses, and discussions where establishing causality and importance is crucial. It can be used for example to describe the result of a new marketing strategy, to explain the consequences of one's behaviour or for any kind of experiment results.

Are there any synonyms for "this played a key role" that emphasize a negative impact?

If you want to convey a negative impact, consider using phrases like "this was detrimental", "this had adverse consequences", or "this contributed negatively". These alternatives clearly indicate a negative influence.