play a role

Meaning

This expression means to be involved in something, to have an influence on it, or to contribute to its outcome. In academic, scientific, and sociological writing, it is used to explain the impact of various variables, factors, or individuals on a specific phenomenon.

Examples

• Genetics clearly play a role in determining a person's susceptibility to certain diseases.

  Genetics clearly play a role in determining a person's susceptibility to certain diseases.

• Social media can play a significant role in shaping public opinion during elections.

  Social media can play a significant role in shaping public opinion during elections.

• Economic factors played a crucial role in the collapse of the Roman Empire.

  Economic factors played a crucial role in the collapse of the Roman Empire.

• Every team member must understand how their individual tasks play a role in the project's success.

  Every team member must understand how their individual tasks play a role in the project's success.

• Do you think parental involvement plays a role in academic achievement?

  Do you think parental involvement plays a role in academic achievement?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Diet plays a part role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

  ✓ Diet plays a role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

  Do not combine 'part' and 'role' into 'part role'. Choose either 'plays a role' or 'plays a part'.

• ✗ Many factors play a role on the climate system.

  ✓ Many factors play a role in the climate system.

  The correct preposition to use after 'play a role' is 'in', not 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Several environmental factors ___ in the development of the ecosystem.

  💡 To have an influence or contribute to an outcome.

  Show answer

  play a role

• Technology will undoubtedly ___ in the future of higher education.

  💡 To be involved or have an impact.

  Show answer

  play a role