Meaning
to have an influence or effect on something; to contribute to a result or situation
Primary Function
Verb-noun collocation for agency/participation
Communicative Purpose
To express contribution, function, or significance
Pattern
play a role in
Core Structure
play a role in
Função primária
Verb-noun collocation for agency/participation
Propósito comunicativo
To express contribution, function, or significance
Situações de gatilho
Describing involvement in projects, events, social change
Contextos
Academic analysis, professional collaboration, everyday explanation
Padrão
play a role in
Estrutura central
play a role in
Slots de substituição
noun phrase that specifies what the role relates to (e.g., a project, a decision, an event)
Colocados típicos
- important
- key
- crucial
- vital
- pivotal
- decisive
- active
- prominent
- central
Substituições comuns
- assume a role
- take on a role
- fulfil a role
Erros comuns
*make a role, *do a role (verb mismatch)
Similar / contraste
serve a function, have a part, act as
Interferências
Learners may use ‘make’ or ‘do’; reinforce ‘play’.
Família do chunk
- play a role
- play a part
- play a key role
Nuance
Implies a contributory rather than decisive role; often used in abstract contexts.
Efeito pragmático
Highlights the speaker's assessment of influence or contribution.
Dica de memória
Think of a play where each actor 'plays a role' in the story.
Nota
Used to indicate that something contributes to an outcome or situation.
Upgrade path
play a pivotal role
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