undermine the role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'undermine the role' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a situation in which something or someone weakens the importance, value, effectiveness, or success of something else. For example: "The lack of financial support from the government has begun to undermine the role of public schools in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

This doesn't undermine the role of the critic, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This will undermine the role of the tax authorities who should deal with this issue".

The Guardian - Business

In theory, this kind of technology would undermine the role of data brokers and, perhaps, mitigate privacy risks.

The New York Times - Tech

("Such a declaration would undermine the role of Congress and the appropriations process; it's just not good policy.

The Washington Post

Conversely, the dominant neoliberal analysis of growth and development that sought to undermine the role of the public sector is also, thankfully, over.

The Guardian

"The U.S. president thinks by accusing the nation of Iran he can undermine the role of our country in the world," Mr. Ahmadinejad said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, for the same proponents it undermines the role of conscious choice in action.

University of California, Berkeley

Jonathan Steele examines how the conflict in Iraq has undermined the role of the UN.

The Guardian

The growth in property websites has also undermined the role of estate agents, it suggested.

The Guardian - Business

The learnability of such phonologically-arbitrary patterns undermines the role of phonological naturalness in shaping mental grammars.

Lingua

Duncan said the approach undermined the role of select committees to "take evidence, form a view and publish a report".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undermine the role", ensure that the subject performing the undermining action is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undermine the role" with overly abstract or vague nouns. Be specific about whose or what role is being undermined for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undermine the role" functions as a verb phrase where "undermine" is the verb and "the role" is the direct object. It indicates an action that diminishes the importance, power, or effectiveness of a specific role. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undermine the role" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the weakening of importance, effectiveness, or authority. Grammatically sound, it primarily functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s correct and frequently employed in written English. The phrase is especially prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. When using it, be specific about what's doing the undermining and whose role is being affected to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "weaken the position" or "diminish the function" for nuanced meaning. This phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, lending itself well to analytical and critical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaken the position

Focuses on reducing someone's authority or standing.

diminish the function

Emphasizes the reduction of an entity's purpose or operation.

erode the significance

Highlights the gradual loss of importance or value.

compromise the integrity

Suggests damage to the honesty or soundness of something.

detract from the importance

Directly points out the lessening of value or relevance.

subvert the purpose

Indicates an attempt to overthrow or damage the intended goal.

challenge the validity

Questions the accuracy or correctness of something.

hamper the effectiveness

Focuses on obstructing or impeding success.

impair the operation

Highlights the disruption or weakening of a process.

jeopardize the standing

Indicates the risk of losing respect or reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "undermine the role" in a sentence?

You can use "undermine the role" to describe actions or events that weaken the importance or effectiveness of something. For example: "The president's policies "undermine the role" of environmental protection agencies".

What are some alternatives to "undermine the role"?

Alternatives include phrases like "weaken the position", "diminish the function", or "erode the significance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "undermine to the role" instead of "undermine the role"?

No, the correct phrase is "undermine the role". The preposition 'to' is not appropriate in this context. "Undermine" directly acts upon the noun phrase "the role".

What's the difference between "undermine the role" and "harm the role"?

"Harm the role" suggests a direct and potentially immediate negative impact. "Undermine the role", on the other hand, implies a more gradual and subtle weakening of importance or effectiveness.