To play a role is to be one of the factors that influence an event or outcome.
play a role in + noun/-ing; play an important role in + noun/-ing
- Public libraries play a role in helping adults learn new skills.
- Transport costs played an important role in the family's decision to move.
What changed
First version
Parents play a role for children's reading habits.
Revision
Parents play a role in children's reading habits.
Use in for the area of influence: play a role in education or in improving education. Important describes the significance of the role but does not replace evidence in an essay.
Play a role does not say that a factor is the only or decisive one. To show how much it matters, explain a specific mechanism or give an example.
Your turn
Regular feedback plays a role ___ improving written answers. (in / for)
Show the answer
in — In this meaning, play a role takes the preposition in.
Write about the role of one specific factor in a problem of your choice. Explain how it works.
Affordable buses play a role in reducing car use because more people can reach work without driving.
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