1
Core action
Contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
Example
Family networks play a role in shaping migration decisions.
play a role in
/pleɪ ə rəʊl ɪn/ · play uh ROHL incontribution phrase
Contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
Use play a role in to express this relationship precisely: contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
What play a role in Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Temperature may play a role in the observed decline.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Several institutions played a role in determining the final policy.
Use play a role in Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Family networks play a role in shaping migration decisions.
Temperature may play a role in the observed decline.
Several institutions played a role in determining the final policy.
Precision Matters
Play a role in overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
play a role in
vs.Means contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
contribute to
Means help cause, support, or advance an outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
play a role in
vs.Means contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
lead to
Means cause, produce, or result in an outcome or later development.
play a role in
vs.Means contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
account for
Means to explain something or constitute a specified portion of it.
play a role in
vs.Means contribute to a process or outcome without necessarily being its sole cause.
give rise to
Means cause a condition, event, or result to develop or occur.
Test play a role in in Context
Shade contributes to the outcome without being presented as its only cause.
1
Access to shade may ___ reducing heat stress among young plants.