understand the role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understand the role" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of grasping the responsibilities or functions associated with a particular position or task. Example: "To succeed in this project, it is crucial for each team member to understand the role they play in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I understand the role of an advocate," Mr. Nevius said.

The New York Times

We are in touch with -- we understand the role of the Congress.

The New York Times

"It helps you understand the role that sports has played in American society".

The New York Times

It's important to understand the role campaigning plays in your charity's overall work for change.

The Guardian

There is another way to understand the role of a top court in a constitutional democracy.

The New Yorker

A year from now, will more Americans understand the role of the Electoral College?

The New York Times

Here, in this county, we understand the role of business and free enterprise".

The New Yorker

The Sulzbergers were also determined that their children understand the role they were supposed to play.

The New York Times

"We would like to more clearly understand the role that they want to play".

The New York Times

The challenge remains to fully understand the role HPV plays in causing breast cancer".

The Guardian

A bad client is a client that doesn't understand the role of the designer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understand the role" in a sentence, ensure that the subject clearly identifies who needs to understand the role and that the object specifies the particular role being discussed. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "understand the role" in vague or general contexts. Always specify which role you are referring to, as ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations and confusion. For example, instead of saying "It's important to understand the role", specify "It's important to understand the role of project manager in this process."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understand the role" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of comprehending or grasping the duties, responsibilities, or significance of a specific position or function. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, ranging from professional settings to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understand the role" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to highlight the importance of comprehending responsibilities and functions in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its broad applicability across different domains, including news, science, and general knowledge. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to ensure specificity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""comprehend the function"" or "grasp the responsibilities" can be used depending on the desired nuance. By focusing on clarity and context, writers can effectively use "understand the role" to convey understanding and promote effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehend the function

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding of how something works.

grasp the responsibilities

Focuses on understanding the duties and obligations associated with a position.

appreciate the significance

Highlights the importance and value of the role.

recognize the importance

Focuses on acknowledging the value and impact of the role.

perceive the function

Implies a mental awareness and understanding of the role's purpose.

fathom the purpose

Suggests a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons for the role.

be cognizant of the position

Highlights awareness and knowledge of the role and its context.

realize the implications

Focuses on understanding the potential effects and consequences of the role.

know the job

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express understanding of the role.

learn the ropes

Focuses on the process of acquiring knowledge and skills needed for the role.

FAQs

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

Use "understand the role" to convey the importance of grasping the function or responsibilities associated with a specific position or task. For example, "To succeed, team members must "comprehend the function" they have in achieving our goals."

What can I say instead of "understand the role"?

You can use alternatives like "grasp the responsibilities", "appreciate the significance", or "recognize the importance" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "understand the role" or "comprehend the function"?

Both "understand the role" and ""comprehend the function"" are correct, but "understand the role" is more common in general usage. "Comprehend the function" might be more suitable when emphasizing a complete and thorough understanding of how something works.

What's the difference between "understand the role" and "know the job"?

"Understand the role" implies a broader understanding of the purpose and significance of a position, while "know the job" suggests familiarity with the specific tasks and duties involved. The former is more strategic, the latter is more practical.