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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Play an important role in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "play an important role in" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to refer to the importance of something or the impact that it has. For example: "Education has long played an important role in our society."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"Feathers play an important role in evolution.
Academia
miRNAs play an important role in diagnostics.
Science & Research
Ants play an important role in the environment.
Academia
Board of directors play an important role in firms.
Academia
Graduate students play an important role in Cal Day.
Models play an important role in science.
Science
Firearms play an important role in IPV.
Science
Experts play an important role in foresights.
Metrics play an important role in SSQI.
These NLEEs play an important role in nonlinear sciences.
The following lemmas play an important role in this article.
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "play an important role in", ensure the subject clearly benefits or is affected by the role being played. This makes the sentence more impactful and easier to understand.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "play an important role in" when the actual impact is minimal or negligible. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and make your writing seem hyperbolic.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "play an important role in" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the significance or contribution of a subject within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across different domains.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
Science
65%
Academia
20%
Formal & Business
5%
⚠ Less common in
News & Media
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "play an important role in" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the significance or contribution of something within a given context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of writing styles, from neutral to formal, but is most frequently used in scientific and academic domains. While alternatives exist to add nuance, it remains a reliable choice for highlighting importance. It's crucial to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the attributed importance is genuine and proportional to the impact.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fulfill an important role in
Uses "fulfill" instead of "play", emphasizing the act of completing a role.
have a significant impact on
Focuses on the effect or influence exerted rather than the role itself.
contribute significantly to
Highlights the contribution made to something, rather than the role.
are instrumental in
Emphasizes the essential nature of something in achieving a particular outcome.
are crucial for
Highlights the essential nature of something
are vital for
Emphasizes the life-or-death importance of something.
FAQs
How can I use "play an important role in" in a sentence?
Use "play an important role in" to highlight the significance of something within a specific context. For example, "Education "plays an important role in" society's development."
What are some alternatives to "play an important role in"?
You can use alternatives like "fulfill an important role in", "have a significant impact on", or "contribute significantly to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "play an important role in" or "play a crucial role in"?
While both are correct, "play a crucial role in" emphasizes a higher degree of importance or necessity compared to "play an important role in". Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual level of significance.
What's the difference between "play an important role in" and "be important for"?
"Play an important role in" suggests active participation or influence, while "be important for" simply indicates necessity or value. The former implies a process or action, while the latter is a state of being.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested