Meaning
to have an effect or influence on an outcome
Primary Function
indicates causal contribution
Communicative Purpose
to attribute importance to a factor
Pattern
play a role in
Core Structure
play a role in
Função primária
indicates causal contribution
Propósito comunicativo
to attribute importance to a factor
Situações de gatilho
analysis, explanations, teamwork
Contextos
academic, professional, everyday
Padrão
play a role in
Estrutura central
play a role in
Slots de substituição
an adjective indicating importance (e.g., crucial, important, significant) followed by a noun phrase or gerund describing the process or area
Colocados típicos
- crucial
- vital
- significant
- pivotal
- have a direct role in
Substituições comuns
- contribute to
- be instrumental in
- have an effect on
Erros comuns
using *play role in without article; using *play a role to instead of *to something
Similar / contraste
contribute to, affect, influence, be instrumental in
Interferências
some learners omit the definite article or preposition (e.g., say ‘plays role’)
Família do chunk
- contribute to
- factor in
- be part of
- have an impact on
Nuance
'play a role in' is versatile; choose adjective intensity for emphasis (crucial vs. important).
Efeito pragmático
analytical tone that emphasizes shared contribution among participants.
Dica de memória
key role
Nota
This chunk is versatile and can be used in various contexts to explain the influence of a factor. It is often used in academic and professional settings, but it is also common in everyday conversations.
Upgrade path
use idioms like ‘be instrumental in’, ‘drive change behind’ for stronger impact emphasis.
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